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LOT 0602
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 7/8 in. (38 grams total, 15-22 mm).
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. [20, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
FootnotesThe 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.
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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Roman Silver Inscribed Ring
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
D-section hoop with angled shoulders and raised bezel with pseudo inscription, inked collector's number on the inside 'MI574'; polished. 3.49 grams, 22.30 mm overall, 15.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
Formerly in the collection of Lord McAlpine of West Green, bearing collection number M1574. Bonhams, Knightsbridge, London, Antiquities Sale, Wednesday 12th July 2000, no.9 (part). Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of the Bonhams invoice. -
Roman Silver Child's Ring with Agate
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Slender hoop with a round bezel set with a conical agate, applied pellets flanking the bezel. 1.11 grams, 19.29 mm overall, 13.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British D, USA 1 3/4, Europe 1.15, Japan 1)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Bust of a Goddess
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £20,000 - 30,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £10,000
Hollow-formed shank and bezel with inset cloison intaglio profile of a female bust with a diadem, inspecting a jewel hung around her neck. 9.46 grams, 29.95 mm overall, 19.70 x 17.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection, acquired on the German art market in 1992; thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13181-249302.
The gem motif represents a deity, most probably Aphrodite-Venus, although we cannot exclude less important divinities, such as Flora or a nymph.
