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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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LOT 0727
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
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Roman and Later Bronze and Silver Ring Group
1st-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Mixed group of rings comprising: a D-section ring; a ring with angled shoulders and raised circular bezel; a ring with slender hoop and bezel set with a blue intaglio with two figures; a large ring with rectangular bezel with '1888' with a cross above; a ring with large rectangular bezel with faint remains of an inscription; a ring with forked shoulders and the bezel set with a dark green glass intaglio with a low-relief image of a doe before a tree; a ring with an oval pale orange carnelian intaglio bearing an inscription. 32 grams total, 19-28 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Lead Seal Collection
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Each with a figural impression, including a lion, a bird, a seated figure, Victory, and two with a standing figure. 12.16 grams total, 13-20 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Bronze and Bone Pin and Implement Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Including a bone pin with a finial formed as a hand with spread fingers, a bronze probe with a triangular blade and bulb finial and other types. 37.9 grams total, 9.3-14.5 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.
