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LOT 0977
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 1 in. (34.8 grams total, 15-24 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 Bronze Ring with Inscription
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Featuring angular shoulders and a discoid bezel, inscribed across the shoulders and bezel with 'ATT A ΛI?'. 3.18 grams, 20.67 mm overall, 16.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Bronze Ring with Stepping Horse and Dioscourus
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Wide hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel with a standing figure beside a stepping horse. 4.45 grams, 20.40 mm overall, 16.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bronze Signet Ring with Bust
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
With D-section hoop, ellipsoid bezel with incuse profile bust of Sol Invictus wearing a solar crown. 3.68 grams, 24.22 mm overall, 18.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.
