Loading, please wait...
LOT 0162
Roman Gold Ring with Greek Boar Gem
4TH CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY B.C.
7/8 in. (1.93 grams, 22.40 mm overall, 15.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
Hollow-formed and widening at the shoulders to a high elliptical bezel set with a black and white banded glass intaglio imitating striped sardonyx, depicting a running boar in profile on a baseline; Greek letters KΠ on the surface under the boar; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceEx private collection, Contessa L.G., since the 1980s.
Private collection, acquired in 1997.
Cf. for the Greek Intaglio Spier, J., Ancient gems and Finger Rings, Catalogue of the Collections, The J. Paul Getty Museum, p.61, no.119.
FootnotesThe motif and style, a running boar with a tube-like body, seem to fit into Boardman's Wyndham Cook Group, and could be ascribed to the Graeco-Persian period, despite the fact that the gemstone was later incorporated into a Roman ring.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Bronze and Silver Bow Brooch Group
Circa 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Including a P-shaped bow brooch, Hod Hil type with lateral lugs and other types. 37.4 grams total, 28-54 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A6, A49, A50 & A59. -
Large Romano-Celtic Bronze Bow Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Triangular headplate with hatching and a coiled pin below, recurved bow with a wide collar, narrow footplate with an integral catchplate and a knop finial. 23.5 grams, 70 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 41.2 grams total, 17-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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.
