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LOT 0727
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 3/4 in. (37.4 grams total, 17-20 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 Carnelian Onyx Gemstone of a Seated Muse Set into a Gold Georgian Ring
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Cabochon with incuse enthroned Muse with a mask and one hand extended; set into an antique gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.44 grams, 25.11 mm overall, 17.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. -
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Roman Imperial Silver Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Gryllos
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
Comprising a D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, set with an intaglio with a composite animal figure (gryllos) advancing on a baseline, wearing a bridled horse protome with a twig in its mouth, a silen's mask on the breast, the tail formed as a ram's head with a twig in its mouth, and the legs of a cockerel. 8.83 grams, 22.17 mm overall, 16.02 x 13.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
UK private collection, acquired on the English market in the 2000s. -
Roman Lead and Bronze Trade Weight Collection
Circa 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Comprising: three rectangular weights, one barrel-shaped with two symbols on one end, and a tabular bifacial plaque with four standing figures on one side and the other with three figures. 72 grams total, 14-22 mm
Acquired on UK art market. Property of a Middlesex gentleman.
