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LOT 0721
Roman Gemstone Group
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/8 - 1/2 in. (3 grams total, 8-12 mm).
Including advancing rear legs of a lion, profile bust, Minerva with spear and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. [10, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
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 Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £416
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 38.8 grams total, 15-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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. -
Roman Gold Ring with Nicolo Gemstone of a Bearded Bacchus as a Herm
1st century A.D. ring: 3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Current Winning Bid: £10
The intaglio deeply carved to depict a profile of Bacchus, set within a closed-back bezel; the band formed as a triple-twisted rope with granules and beadwork upon the shoulders. 5.90 grams, 22.20 mm overall, 16.36 x 13.99 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13342-257959.
The band formed as a triple-twisted rope with granules, and beadwork upon the shoulders is typical of the 3rd to 4th centuries AD. However, the image of the bearded Bacchus remains attached to the original Greek iconography, as seen on the Ermae of the classical period. -
Roman Bronze Double Dolphin Mount
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Concave mount with two opposing dolphins with curving tails, each with an open mouth. 56.7 grams, 10.7 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
