1337 - Roman Bronze Head with Cross Fourchee. 4th century A.D. Hollow-formed model male head with aperture to underside used as a 'money box'; with short beard and incised expanding-arm cross to the brow. For head type, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number 13.225.1. 89 grams, 54 mm (2 1/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Roman Bronze Head with Cross Fourchee. 4th century A.D. Hollow-formed model male head with aperture to underside used as a 'money box'; with short beard and incised expanding-arm cross to the brow. For head type, see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number 13.225.1. 89 grams, 54 mm (2 1/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) German private collection, 1980s. with Artemis Gallery, 1990s. Private collection, acquired in 1999. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12866-241640. Money boxes in the Roman Empire, particularly in the 4th century A.D., were used as practical containers for storing coins in everyday life. They were often made from pottery or metal, and while many examples had to be broken open, others were made with small doors or openings to allow access to the contents. 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.