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LOT 0167
Roman Gold Ring with Engraved Agate Gemstone
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.26 grams, 23.66 mm overall, 18.15 x 14.73 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)).
Hollow-formed with inset banded agate cloison, intaglio vine-leaf motif.
ProvenancePrivate collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13184-249301.
Cf. for a similar ring Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 227.
FootnotesThese rings were characterised by an oval opening with a flat rim for a banded agate gem, which tapered towards the top. Both ring and gem are of the same date, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0167
Roman Gold Ring with Engraved Agate Gemstone
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Comprising an openwork rosette bezel with interstitial pellets between the petals, central cell with inset garnet cabochon. 2.55 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 17.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Black Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Composed mainly of oblate beads, the central feature with a conical and an annular bead, restrung. 11.5 grams, 39 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35 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.
