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LOT 0092
Yellow Sapphire Gemstone of Commodus in Later Gold Mount
ROMAN, 2ND CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1 in. (4.93 grams, 24 mm).
The naturalistic pale yellow sapphire engraved with the bust of the emperor in profile right.
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1980s.
Ex European collection.
Private collection of a London antiquarian.
The reign of Commodus (177-192 A.D.) is typically associated with the end of the period in Roman history, the golden era of peace. He initially reigned jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius (177-180 A.D.), and later alone. Commodus cultivated a personality cult which culminated in his performance as a gladiator in the Colosseum. He was eventually assassinated by a wrestler in the baths, marking the end of the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty. He was succeeded by Pertinax.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0092
Yellow Sapphire Gemstone of Commodus in Later Gold Mount
Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
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Roman Tinned Bronze Decorated Casket Key
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With broad circular bow, barrel-type shank with pierced bit, mandrel to the upper bow. 4.49 grams, 41 mm
Fine condition.
Found Cambridgeshire, UK. -
Roman Bronze Sitting Dog
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Modelled seated on its rump with forepaws before the body, head erect with gaping mouth exposing sharp teeth; detailing to the coat and face. 31.5 grams, 39 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Ceramic Brick with Military Stamp for Legio I Italica
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
Of rectangular form, a recessed stamp to one face bearing letters in relief 'LEG I ITAL' for First Italic Legion. 2.5 kg, 27.5 x 13 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The Legio I Italica ('of Italy') was a Roman legion formed by Nero on September 20, 66 or 67 A.D. and it was active until the 5th-6th century AD. The emblems of the legion were a running boar and sometimes a bull. Troops of this legion appear on Trajan's Column bridging a river. The main camp of the Legio was Novae, modern Bulgaria, but it operated in most of the imperial provinces, including Britain, where a vexillatio fought in the wars of Septimius Severus between 202 and 204 A.D.