Antiquities Discussion Forums > Ancient Glass

Ancient Roman Gold and Glass token?

(1/1)

Russ:
Dear Friends,

     I didn't know where to post this item - it is ancient glass but it may also be a token or something else entirely. I have no idea what it is. It is circular, and made of translucent green glass. Seemingly, when the glass was molten, a die was covered in gold leaf/foil,  then pressed into the molten glass, leaving a gilded impression in the glass. The maximum diameter is about 8.95 mm, and the height of the golden oval is about 5 mm.
     Has anyone seen anything like this before? Thanks.
Russ

Ardatirion:
I think you were correct in placing it here. The only ancient glass tokens that I know of look entirely different. I would suspect that this was some other sort of bauble or decoration. See below for a glass token of Roman Egypt from my collection.



EGYPT, Uncertain
Glass Tessera   (17mm; 2.33 g)
Draped bust of Nike left
Head of Herakles right
Milne -; Dattari (Savio) 6555; Köln -

Russ:
Hi Ardatirion,

     Thanks loads for your response.

     Yours certainly looks similar even though it is nearly twice the size of mine. At less than 9 mm, mine could easily get lost or stuck in the lining or seam of a pouch. Perhaps, it was meant to be used in jewelry or as a souvenir... just an ancient oddity.

Russ

Navigation

[0] Message Index

Go to full version