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LOT 0637
Roman Glass Gem with Bearded Bust
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.81 grams, 13.91 mm).
With intaglio profile bust, bearded and wearing a solar crown; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [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 Iridescent Glass Bottle
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With bulbous body, tall tubular neck, broad everted rim to the shallow mouth; extensive iridescence. 20 grams, 97 mm
Ex London, UK, art market 1990s. -
Roman Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed of attractive yellow and gold-coloured feature beads, including beads with raised bosses, large tabular collared beads, and two large spherical beads at the centre; restrung. 18.2 grams, 40.5 cm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-23 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.
