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LOT 0803
Roman Gemstone Collection
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 3/4 in. (3.82 grams total, 7-19 mm).
Including advancing lion, perching bird and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. [5]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. for a similar gemstone with eagle and standards D’Amato, R., Roman Standards and Standard-Bearers, Oxford, 2018, p.27.
FootnotesOne of the gemstones is certainly pertinent to a military ring, representing an eagle among two signa (standards). Both shafts are decorated with multiple phalerae and lunulae.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Glass Child's Bangle
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Formed of dark blue glass with ribbed outer face. 2.53 grams, 40 mm
Ex major S.M. collection, London, UK, 1970-2010. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an Ancient Art certificate of authenticity. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Bearded Philosopher
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a circular body with a short nozzle and a loop handle, the discus with a profile bust of a mature man holding a staff; base with concentric circles. 98 grams, 10.8 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet with reference no.A36. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 15-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
