Roman Terracotta Forger's Mould for a Constantine Coin

Broad and squat with pierced lug handle and stub nozzle; sloped shoulder with lateral lugs, discus with low-relief facing image of Harpocrates holding a thyrsus; underside with maker's stamp '[A]SALRON[.]'. 75.3 grams, 10.7 cm



From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.2 grams total, 15-23 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.

Bulbous body with a shallow rib on the shoulder, a short tubular neck and an everted rim. 43.4 grams, 66 mm high



Roman glass from an important London collection, acquired from the early 1980s.