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LOT 0830
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 7/8 in. (38.8 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' 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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Roman Red Ware Fragment with Gladiatorial Lion
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
An irregular fragment from a large vessel with an angled shoulder and thickened rim, showing a low-relief leaping lion with its forelegs extended, jaws gaping, and its ears pulled back. 84 grams, 11.7 cm
Found near the village of Braughing in Hertfordshire, UK, in the early 1960s. By descent to the son of a late Hertfordshire gentleman collector, whose collection was formed from the 1960s. -
Romano-British 'Colchester' Decorated Terracotta Vase
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Black burnished ware jar with narrow foot, bulbous body with broad shoulder and flared rim to the mouth; circumferential band of rouetting to the shoulder; Type BB2; repaired. 530 grams, 15.5 cm
Discovered during renovations of Williams and Griffin, Colchester, Essex, UK, circa 1980s. -
Roman to Post Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
2nd-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Including bezel fragment with inset intaglio Venus, ellipsoid bezel with ring-and-dot motifs, cup bezel with scooped shoulders and other types. 24.2 grams total, 16-25 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.
