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LOT 1069
Roman Glass Knucklebones Gaming Pair
CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 3/4 in. (5.86 grams total, 17-20 mm).
Each a miniature astragalus with surface detailing. [2]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1970s, by descent.
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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LOT 1069
Roman Glass Knucklebones Gaming Pair
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£100 (EUR 116; USD 135) +BP*
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Roman Gilt Bronze Brooch with Conical Gem
Circa 2nd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
An oval brooch with raised rim and bezel with inserted conical black stone, pin and catchplate to the reverse. 7.04 grams, 23.1 mm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 28.4 grams total, 14-20 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. -
Roman Bronze Head with Cross Fourchee
4th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £950
Hollow-formed model male head with aperture to underside used as a 'money box'; with short beard and incised expanding-arm cross to the brow. 89 grams, 54 mm
German private collection, 1980s. with Artemis Gallery, 1990s. Private collection, acquired in 1999. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12866-241640.
Money boxes in the Roman Empire, particularly in the 4th century A.D., were used as practical containers for storing coins in everyday life. They were often made from pottery or metal, and while many examples had to be broken open, others were made with small doors or openings to allow access to the contents.
