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LOT 0100
Roman Lead Commercial Weight of 1 Mna
DATED SE 230 (83/2 B.C.)
3 3/4 in. (704 grams, 96 mm).
Square in plan with ribbed edge and hatched reverse; ETOYΣ ΛΣ (date) ΔHMOΣIA MNA (denomination) with border to initial lamda, two crossed cornucopiae, to left a monogram; latticework design to the reverse.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12225-222343.
See Gale Brown, H., A study of lead ingot cargoes from ancient Mediterranean Shipwrecks, Vermont, 2011; cf. De Rochesnard; Pondera Online 3558.
FootnotesSuch commercial weights were produced in cities currently or formerly under Seleukid control. The inscription ΔHMOΣIA ('public'), indicates that this was used as an official market weight.
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 0100
Roman Lead Commercial Weight of 1 Mna
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Roman Gold Pendant with Medusa Cameo
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Discoid plaque with applied ropework wreath detailing, suspension loop with filigree borders and granule below, inset cameo gorgoneion; ring at bottom for attachment of a securing chain. 5.06 grams, 29 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Roman Mason's Acorn-Shaped Plumb Bob Weight
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Substantial lead-filled bronze with loop above and ribbed cup. 325 grams, 62 mm
From the private collection of the late Victor Brox. -
Roman Bronze Mars Rider Statuette
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Modelled in the round, nude male with legs in straddling pose, left hand thrust forward and right arm raised with hand open; head exaggerated with shoulder-length hair and crested helmet. 35.6 grams, 60 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The pseudo-Corinthian or Apulo-Corinthian helmet, here represented on the head of the divinity, was originally a legionary helmet, then became, in the Late Consular Age, an officer's helmet, then a typical attribute of military commanders and then of the war god, Mars. However, this statuette of Mars has strong Celtic connotations, as evidenced by the torques around the neck and the warrior god's hair.