Roman Gemstone of a Seated Figure Set into a Gold Georgian Ring

Comprising: three melon beads and one melon pendant; a hexagonal bead imitating an emerald crystal; a large oblate bead with 'eye' motifs; a black pendant with a large loop and applied red dot decoration; a mosaic glass disc with lizard skin-like decoration; two polychrome beads with trails; a bag-shaped pendant with two tubular sockets; and two oblate beads. 41.2 grams total, 7-23 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Intaglio winged Victory in long robe holding a vexillum military standard; set into an antique gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.22 grams, 23.31 mm overall, 19.46 x 19.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

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' 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.