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LOT 0144
'The Colchester' Roman Bronze Caduceus Sceptre Finial
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (77 grams, 10.7 cm).
Monofacial openwork finial formed as a serpent entwined and knotted above a pair of spread wings; from a large statue of Mercury (Hermes).
ProvenanceFound in Colchester in the 1960s.
From a late gentleman archaeologist’s collection, thence by family descent.
Cf. similar fragment in the collection of the Louvre, Paris, under accession no. INV 211; Br 553.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Altar
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
With intaglio altar; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.37 grams, 10.15 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35 grams total, 15-22 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. -
Roman Garnet Gemstone with Zebu
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Lozengiform in plan with intaglio zebu image; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.18 grams, 9.00 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
