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LOT 1232
Roman Gnostic Bronze Ring with Nude Character
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2.71 grams, 22.26 mm overall, 19.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)).
Ellipsoid bezel with incuse unknown character facing left, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, holding a spear in his right hand and a snake in his left. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureFor a similar figure cf. Mastrocinque, A., Les intailles magiques du department des monnaies Médailles et Antiques, Paris, 2014, no.510.
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 1232
Roman Gnostic Bronze Ring with Nude Character
Estimate £80 - 100€93 - 116 (for guidance only)$108 - 135 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Roman Terracotta Coin Forger's Mould
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Discoid clay mould with an impressed design of a coin on each face. 6.05 grams, 27 mm
London gentleman's collection, 1970-1990s, by descent. -
'The Cataractonium' Roman Samian Ware Cup
Gaul, early 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Conical in profile with crinated rim, flared foot, incised ring to outer face; old collector's ticket stating 'Deep Samian Ware cup with horizontal groove decoration on exterior. Slight firing crack on interior. Substantial piece of potting. Central Gaul early 2nd cent. AD Found Catterick, Yorks. (Cataractonium)'. 309 grams, 14.5 cm wide
Found at Catterick, York, Yorkshire, UK. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. -
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.
