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LOT 0164
Roman Gold Hercules Club Amulet
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (1.1 grams, 28 mm).
Hexagonal in section, tapering with integral loop, applied granule studs, domed finial with a knop.
ProvenancePrivate collection, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. similar item in the British Museum, London, accession number 1981,0201.29, in Johns, C.M., Potter, T., The Thetford Treasure. Roman Jewellery and Silver, London, 1983, no.29.
FootnotesA similar object formed part of the remarkable hoard of late Roman gold jewellery and silver tableware found near Thetford, Norfolk, in 1979.
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 Bronze Key Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Comprising three keys with looped terminals, one for a barrel lock. 67.66 grams total, 42-62 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Bearded Philosopher
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising a circular body with a short nozzle and a loop handle, the discus with a profile bust of a mature man holding a staff; base with concentric circles. 98 grams, 10.8 cm
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-20 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.
