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LOT 0588
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (36.2 grams total, 13-22 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 0588
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Late Roman Silver Ring with Amethyst Cabochon
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £180 - 240 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £90
D-section hoop with a gold collar surrounding the amethyst cabochon. 5.68 grams, 21.84 mm overall, 17.04 x 13.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, Suffolk, UK. -
Roman Glass Phallic Amulet
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Modelled in the round with applied red-glass collar, pierced through the shaft for suspension. 11.4 grams, 32 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
In the Roman world, the phallus was a symbol of luck or fertility, and it was believed to have apotropaic functions. Pendants, amulets and small objects were worn by all sorts of people as symbols of protection, especially by young children, according to Varro and Pliny the Elder. The phallus is also commonly found on reliefs, frescoes and lamps from the Graeco-Roman world. -
Roman Chalcedony Gemstone with Bacchus
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Biconvex type with incuse design on the underside of nude Bacchus holding a bunch of grapes and a staff; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.64 grams, 12 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
