Lot 4806
Rare Late Imperial Glass Coin Weight. Roman, c. 4th to 5th centruy AD. For motif, cf. gold coins minted for Constantine the Great, at Constantinople, ca. 336-337 AD., Roman Imperial Coins, no. 105; and similar at Nicomedia, ca. 330-331 AD., nos. 164, 170. Diameter: 1-15/16". Likely Constantinian Era. Formed from leaf green glass, the hot glass blob was impressed into a mold having the image of an emperor, cuirassed and facing, standing in a quadriga (four-horse chariot), and holding a wreath and elaborate scepter. The glass disc is a bit on the small side as the outer two horses are not wholly visible. The disc weighs 32.25 grams, the weight apparently equal to 10 silver siliquae(?). The weight is intact, with moderate wear, and areas of speckled gold, silver, purple, green and blue iridescence. An excessively rare, and historical artifact!
Estimated Value $750-UP.
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| Realized $437 |
