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LOT 1040
Roman to Byzantine Bronze Ring Group
2ND-8TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 1 in. (25.58 grams total, 16-27 mm).
Comprising nine rings with bezels, one possibly representing a coiled snake. [10, No Reserve]
ProvenanceBonhams, Knightsbridge, London, Antiquities Sale, Thursday 22nd April 1999, no.143 (part).
Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.
Accompanied by a copy of the Bonhams invoice.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 43 grams total, 16-23 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. -
Roman Red Jasper Gemstone with Hermes
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With intaglio winged Hermes holding the caduceus; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.12 grams, 7.32 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
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Roman Agate Gemstone with Female Bust
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With intaglio profile female bust, hair drawn up in a chignon; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.23 grams, 1.37 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
