Roman Terracotta Forger's Mould for a Constantine Coin

Comprising: disc with wreath and bee modelled in high-relief; pierced follis of Urbs Roma type with 'lupa and twins' motif, helmeted bust. 6.02 grams total, 22-27 mm



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

Plano-convex in section with incuse image of Minerva standing with one hand extended, holding her spear and shield. 1.18 grams, 17 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

In Rome, the Athena Promachos type occurs on imperial silver medallions of Domitian (struck in 92 AD), since Minerva was his personal protector. On gems, it became very common from the end of the 1st century BC onwards, even on the magical gemstones.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 28.4 grams total, 13-21 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.