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132 - Roman Carved Stone Totum Spinning Gaming Die. 2nd-3rd century A.D. Steatite spinner with conical foot, hexagonal-section body and tapering shank above; facets with incised lettering 'TA, ND, NH, NG, SZ, LS' in serifed Roman capitals. Cf. for similar gaming dice with facets with incised letters, Schwinden, L., Ein Spielw rfel mit Buchstaben aus dem R mischen Trier in Funde und Ausgrabungen im Bezirk Trier, 35, 2003, pp.36-45, figs.1-7. 20.7 grams, 49 mm (2 in.). [No Reserve]
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Estimation
£1,000 - 1,400 (€1,100 - 1,700)Sale fees
Roman Carved Stone Totum Spinning Gaming Die. 2nd-3rd century A.D. Steatite spinner with conical foot, hexagonal-section body and tapering shank above; facets with incised lettering 'TA, ND, NH, NG, SZ, LS' in serifed Roman capitals. Cf. for similar gaming dice with facets with incised letters, Schwinden, L., Ein Spielw rfel mit Buchstaben aus dem R mischen Trier in Funde und Ausgrabungen im Bezirk Trier, 35, 2003, pp.36-45, figs.1-7. 20.7 grams, 49 mm (2 in.). [No Reserve] From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. Instead of the usual dots or ring-and-dot markings found on the dice, the numerical values ??are here indicated by letters. The letters are engraved into the stone with great care, using a burin with an elongated cutting edge. The value sequence was possibly determined by the position of the letters in the Latin alphabet: TA = 1+19; ND = 13+4; NH = 13+8; NG = 13+7; SZ = 18+25; LS = 11+18. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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. See our website for more information.
Auction details
WONDERS OF THE PAST: Important Antiquities, Ancient Art & Jewellery – Day 1Auction house
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