Roman Lead Ingot with Inscription

1ST CENTURY AD

20 1/2" (40 kg total, 52cm with stand).

A rectangular lead ingot with chamfered sides, indented panel to the upper face with reserved inscription 'METALLO M[.]SSALINI' (from the mine of Messallinus); mounted on a custom-made stand.

Provenance

Ex North London gentleman; formerly in a important private Dorset collection, formed 1970.

Published

Hanel, N. et al. Metallum Messallini - A New Roman Lead Ingot from the Danube Provinces, in Metalla 2018.

Footnotes

The mould mark metallo Messallini is unusual on Roman-period ingots. It appears to refer to the Illyrian lead mines of Marcus Valerius Messalla Messallinus, who was consul in 3 BC and governor of the province of Illyricum from 6 AD. The mines were possibly a gift from Emperor Augustus (who owned mines in that region) to Messallinus for his service.

CONDITION

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LOT 0078

Roman Lead Ingot with Inscription

Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,750

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