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LOT 1028
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (35.6 grams total, 14-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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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LOT 1028
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
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Roman Garnet Gemstone with Portrait
Late 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Ellipsoid type with dished underside, incuse-facing portrait bust, from a Constantinople garnet workshop. 1.22 grams, 14 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Etrusco-Italic Bronze Figure of Young Hercules
Archaic Style, circa 4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Modelled in the round figure standing in advancing pose with the right hand raised and fist clenched; left shoulder and arm covered with the skin of the Nemean lion and left hand modelled hollow; hair cut short and textured. 307 grams, 12 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12515-232159.
There were several cult sites of Hercules in Etruria and old Latium, particularly in the Sabellian region, and the bronze statuettes discovered here exhibit a wide range of styles. Etruscan bronzes of the half-god usually represent him with the lion skin draped over his arm (Metropolitan accession number 96.9.419). -
Roman Garnet Gemstone with Standing Crane
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Domed type with incuse design of a standing crane with head tilted upwards; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.33 grams, 8 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
