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LOT 0597
Roman Lead Abraxas Bifacial Pendant
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.9 grams, 24 mm).
A bifacial discoid lead pendant with suspension loop, one face displaying a star within crescent and lettering below: 'ABPA / CAE'; figure of Abraxas.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman and Other Bead Necklace
1st century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
A restrung group of mainly opaque blue glass beads of various types. 9.54 grams, 65 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Military Diploma Fragments
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A pair of bifacial bronze military diploma fragments bearing Latin text: fragment A, side 1: 'CAEL[IBES] / DVM [TAXAT]'; side 2: 'NI[- - -] MAX'; fragment B, side 1: 'RNESE / CVS'; side 2: 'AL[- - - / - - -] LL'. 7.13 grams total, 21-32 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Stylistically, the diploma seems connected with the empire of Hadrian, based in style used in letters M and A. The text of the extrinsecus can be partially reconstructed in the sentences ANTO{NI}NUS AVGVSTVS PONTIFEX {MAX}IMUS... AVT SIQUI {CAEL}IBES ESSENT CUM IIS QUAS POSTEA DUXISSENT {DUM}TAXAT SINGULI SINGULAS (...if they were in celibate then, to the maximum limit of only one (wife) for each...). The diploma gives 'HONESTA MISSIO' (honourable discharge) and Roman citizenship to the veterans of an unknown unit, also granting them permission to marry. The text of the internal side (intus) should report the dating, and the names of the soldiers and witnesses. -
Roman Opaque White Glass Vessel
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £450 - 650 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
An opaque white glass cup or other vessel with trumpet-style neck and rim, slightly convex body and everted foot. 32.5 grams, 65 mm wide
Fine condition, repaired.
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.