Lot 2943
Roman Empire. Interesting and Rare "Gang Molds" in Terra Cotta, perhaps used by a Forger. Roman Egypt, c. 5th century AD. The molds consist of paired discs onto which seven late Roman AE 4's have been impressed, forming a rosette shape. The impressions are all linked by short channels between them, along with pierced channels between each mold layer. A trough has been carved along the edge of each mold, and these contain the sprue holes into which the molten metal is poured, and which would then flow into the empty spaces impressed in the clay. The clay of the actual molds is a very fine grain brown clay. Encasing the mold discs and holding them in place is a much coarser "straw clay."
The impressions in the clay mostly lack detail, and so the mold may instead be for creating coin flans. However a few impressions are clear and distinct. Beneath the red museum number on one mold, an Imperial portrait obverse from a small Roman bronze, perhaps that of Honorius, is clearly seen. While one or two reverses bearing a wreath with small cross within have been noted.
The consignor is both a collector of antiquities and coins, and is well aware of the variety of clay molds employed by forgers in ancient times which have survived in fair numbers to this day. In his well over three decades of involvement with antiquities market he has never seen the like of this type of mold. This is an important object of numismatic history, suitable for donation to an appropriate institution. Lot of 2 molds. Items overall in Very Fine condition.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
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| Realized $604 |
