Roman Silver Neck Torc with Bull's Head Pendant

Plano-convex type with incuse image of a horseman on rearing steed, plunging a spear into a coiled serpent; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.43 grams, 10 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

The image is a precursor of the later iconography of military saints killing the dragon.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 40 grams total, 16-21 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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.

Comprising a slender rectangular-section hoop with expanding shoulders, set with an oval carnelian intaglio with a clasped hands motif. 2.76 grams, 20.61 mm overall, 17.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.