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LOT 1297
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (34.1 grams total, 14-21 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.
LiteratureCf. for similar bullae Rowan, C., Tokens and Social Life in Roman Imperial ItalyCambridge, 2023, figs.1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.10, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.18.
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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1297
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 Terracotta Oil Lamp Fragment Showing Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector Behind His Chariot
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising the majority of the top part of the oil lamp with a handle on the rear, a dynamic scene at the centre showing Achilles standing in a biga, holding a large round shield in his left hand, the body of Hector tied to the chariot and being dragged behind it, the shoulder showing leaping horses alternating with striated arrowheads. 57 grams, 11.3 cm
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s. Accompanied by a Seaby business card of Peter A. Clayton FLA FSA, Associate Director, handwritten by Peter on the reverse, giving information and a reference. -
'Caerleon' Roman Roof Tile Fragment with LEG II AVG Legionary Stamp
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Thick section of a tile with stamped 'LEG II AVG' across the front, an inked collector's number 31.36.65 to one side and a taped label reading 'Caerleon Roman bathouse (sic)' on the reverse. 174 grams, 72 mm
Found at Caerleon Bathhouse, Newport, Wales, UK. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.
The Caerleon Roman barracks served as a base for the Roman Second Augustan Legion and held upwards of 5000 soldiers. -
'Verulamium' Roman Redware Bowl Fragment Group
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising seven fragments, six with decoration in relief portraying vegetal and geometric motifs, one with two human figures in dynamic poses, and one with a winged bust. 169 grams total, 4.4-11.5 cm
Found St Alban's, Hertfordshire, UK, in the late 1950s. From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.
