Roman Terracotta Coin Forger's Mould

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 26.6 grams total, 11-22 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The 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.

Plain hoop with raised bezel, incuse image of a figure within an arch on steps and robed priest or supplicant to the side. 3.26 grams, 20.64 mm overall, 18.22 x 17.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

The group comprising a part of a base with the remains of the right foot (four toes preserved), a part of the left hand with a section of the lower arm and five other fragments, of which at least three are parts of the legs and arms. 6.02 kg total, 4-34.5 cm



Ex Galerie Nefer, Zurich, 1990s. Standord Place Collection Antiquities, London, before 2006.