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LOT 1000
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 2/4 in. (32 grams total, 14-18 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 Glass Pendant with Portrait
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Cobalt blue discoid pendant with an impressed profile bust. 1.75 grams, 21.78 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Bronze Bow Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With a convex bow and a returned foot forming the catchplate, a coiled spring pin. 4.73 grams, 51 mm
Acquired Town Hall Antiques, Market Place, Woburn, Bedfordshire, UK, on 21st January 2000. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by the original Town Hall Antiques invoice. -
Roman Gold Ring with Garnets
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Comprising two parallel hoops connected with angled filigree struts with a granule to each node, annulets to the shoulders, irregular circular cells each set with a cabochon garnet; hoop cracked at underside. 1.38 grams, 17.03 mm overall, 14.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
Acquired in the 1992. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
