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LOT 0102
Roman Red Variegated Gemstone with Elephant
3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (3.04 grams, 17 mm).
Scaraboid type with incuse design to the underside of an elephant with stars above; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. coin of Caesar showing a similar elephant in Gołyźniak, P., Engraved Gems and Propaganda in the Roman Republic and under Augustus, Oxford, 2020, fig.283.
FootnotesThe Romans first encountered elephants in Pyrrhos' army, and the representation of elephants in Roman art begins from this period. Victorious emperors like Caesar and Vespasian celebrated elephants on their coins. Apart from the celebration of elephants as ‘war machines’, the image of elephants was linked to other aspects in the Roman Imperial Period. Before becoming emperor, Elagabalus was one of the priests of Helios-Sun worship in Emesa. He had elephant depictions on his coins during his reign. The elephants raise their heads to the sun when the sun rises. Thus, the sun is represented on the gemstone together with the elephant.
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 0102
Roman Red Variegated Gemstone with Elephant
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Roman Gemstone Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Including advancing rear legs of a lion, profile bust, Minerva with spear and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3 grams total, 8-12 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Bronze Cross Plate Brooch
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Openwork brooch with a wide border and central cross, pin and catchplate on the reverse. 21.9 grams, 36 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Enamelled Bronze Umbonate Brooch
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Domed body decorated with two concentric circles of narrow, inward-pointing triangles with traces of blue enamel, small bosses and a loop to the outer rim; pin-lugs and a pin on the reverse, and an inked collector's number 'L1986.3 109'. 7.9 grams, 33 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
