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LOT 0097
Roman Imperial and Sasanian Carved Nicolo Gemstone Collection
2ND-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 1/2 in. (3.8 grams total, 8-12 mm).
Comprising seven oval intaglios with various motifs, including a winged horse, an Italic female profile bust, a zebu, a winged lion(?), a standing eagle, an advancing figure carrying an animal, a satyr or a man with lagobolon and grapebunch; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [7]
ProvenanceUK private collection, acquired on the English market in the 2000s.
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 0097
Roman Imperial and Sasanian Carved Nicolo Gemstone Collection
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,560
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Large Roman Glass Roundel with Cupid
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Pale yellow domed disc showing nude Cupid in a dynamic pose, holding a bow in his hand. 10.4 grams, 29 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
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 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.