AN277, There are
three strands of ancient Egyptian faience here. They are all
poorly
strung (#3 is on fishing line) and would be much happier strung onto a
cotton
or silk thread with a clasp more typical of their age. Strand
#1 has
little glass beads in dark gold yellow hues strung along with the
faience.
There are 18 inches of delicate beads.
$135.US. Strand
#2 is 22 inches long and has a patterned bead/stamp hanging on the
bottom.
It has a floral design on one side and something that would work as a
"signature"
on the other. $155.US. Strand
#3 is 16 inches long
and has 3 fat faience (1/2 inch in diameter) beads (2 formed slightly
into
melon shapes) at the bottom. $120.US. (#2
is available)
AN311. There
are two strands of ancient
faience beads here - with the beads on the strand measuring about 20
inches around plus pendants. These beads are in excellent
condition and show a large variety of styles from the same period.
You can see a few similar ones on pages 104 and 105 of
"Collectible Beads". Robert Liu places them as originating in
Iran. They are hand formed in various shapes and then cut
with a
knife like tool to create patterns. Ones in this condition
are
becoming more and more rare. - $500.US/each
(#1 is available)
AN493.
Here is a 19 inch strand of carnelians, ranging a bit in age -
some a few hundred years old, and others over a thousand. It has
a beautiful warm colour with round beads at the front (about 1/2 inch
in diameter) more crystal than carnelian. (The pinkish bead white
stripes doesn't really belong on this strand as it is too new)
This could be beautifully restrung as a very notable necklace.
$180.US. (sold)
AN494. The beads on this 24 inch long strand are clearly
ancient and well over 1000 years old, many with cloudy bits on the
surface coming from long age and contact with various minerals (like
calcium) when buried. These were most likely originally cut in
India or region. I love the richness of colour that they gain
over their long life. $250.US.
CH779. I wish that I could take better photographs of these ancient
banded agate beads as they are much more attractive than they appear in
this photo. I do like it that customers often say "the beads were even
better than I thought", but would truly be happier if they really could
be seen as beautiful as they are. These beads came from a private
collection in Thailand, and were acquired in Cambodia many years ago.
I believe that these are known as Dong Son beads from a culture
crossing the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. The beads were most
likely originally carved in India BC700 to 200AD and traded across the
continent. #1 is coloured in thirds with the two outside sections
almost transparent so that you can easily see the drilling holes. The
central part is creamy with scribbles of yellow (not quite as bright as
the photo shows but more subtle). It reminds me of the patterning of a
chung dzi. The bead is 1 5/8 inches long and 3/8 inch in diameter.
$280.US. #2 This bead is a pale tobacco colour with two white
stripes circling around it. The patterning is full of grace. The bead
is slightly over 1 5/8 inches long and 3/8 inches in diameter.
$170.US. #3 is drastically different in colour from one half to the
other, a transuscent caramel to one side (with a clear, colourless cap
at the top) of the white line and dark brown/almost black on the other.
$220.US. #4 is divided by a white stripe as well. One side is a
dark brown and the other a bright caramel shifting into an orangey tone
at the end of the bead. Again, it has a bit of the look of a chung dzi
with that distinctive stripe circling it. The bead is 1 11/16 inches
long and a little under 1/2 inch in diameter. $250.US. #5 is a
shorter squater bead measuring just under 1 3/8 inches in length and
5/8 inch in diameter. The bead is decorated with swirls of a warm
cream colour and white. It has quite a few ancient chips (softened
ones). It must have been worn a lot in years gone by. When you hold
the bead up to the light you can easily see the stringing hole across
it. $170.US. (#3 is sold)
CH780. This group of ancient banded agates also came from the Thai
collection mentioned above. They were bought in Cambodia and I believe
these are known as Don Son beads from a culture that existed in both
Vietnam and Cambodia. The beads were most likely carved in India BC700
to 200AD and traced across the continent. Again, they are more
attractive and dramatic in real life than in this photo. Stone was
looked at very carefully so that the carver could make the most
advantage of the colouring. Stripes around the beads were among the
most valuable. This group of beads is all carved so that the middle
part is thicker than the ends so that they have a graceful curve to
them. #1 is a small but beautiful bead, a deep rich brown/black with
a white ring around it. If you hold the bead against the light a
caramel stripe appears next to the white. The bead is 1 1/8 inches
long and 3/8 inch at the widest. $110.US. #2 is a magnificent bead,
2 5/8 inches long with the widest diameter being 3/8 inch and the
diameter at the ends of the bead being 1/4 inch. The stripe divides
the bead in two with one side being an opaque dark brown/black and the
other side being a dark caramel. When you hold the bead to the light a
section of that brightens up and you can easily see the drilling hole
through it. $440.US. #3 doesn't look quite as old as the others. I
suspect it is hundreds of years old, not over a thousand. It is very
attractive though with caramel being the most popular colour in it.
The fine lines of swirls of colours of the stone are very attractive.
The bead is 1 3/4 inches long and the widest part is slightly over 3/8
inch across. $85.US. #4 is stripe after stripe after stripe around
and around. At one side the colours are dark brown and cream, and at
the other end the colours are various shades of caramel with much of it
transparent/transluscent so that you can see where the drill holes from
each side meet each other. The double white line wiggles around the
bead. This bead is slightly under 1 1/2 inches long and slightly over
3/8 inch thick at the middle. $190.US. (#1, #2, #3 & #4 are sold)
AN443. This ancient silver coin was holed in antiquity
and probably worn as a talisman. The coin is from the 4th Century
AD, and the portrait is of Constantine Augustus during his rule.
It measures 3/4 inch across. The hole makes the coin very
easy to wear. $45.US.
AN444. This ancient bronze pin comes from Roman times and
is in the range of 2000 years old, more or less. It was excavated
in Bulgaria where much ancient material has been found. The pin
is patinated a dark brown with just a tinge of green to it. The
piece is 3 5/8 inches long, could be a pendant or worn again as a pin
through a loosely woven or knit material. $65.US. (sold)
AN314. What a
great collection of shapes and creatures. They are made from
stone, metal and glass. All of the objects are ancient
crossing a
few cultures including Byzantine, Islamic, and Roman. It
would be
interesting to research and place the origin of as many items as
possible. The white background beads are less than 100 years
old.
The beads cover over 20 inches of the strand and the central
stone pendant is 1 3/8 inches long.
$600.US.
AN336. This ancient Roman ring is about a size 4 but not
really
for wearing. It has a tiny carved seal within it - a profile
portrait against clear glass. It is amazingly small about
5/16
inch long. This is an amazing piece for a collection.
I
haven't done anything to try to clean the ring itself but it seems to
be bronze. $195.US.
AN337. There are three different and interesting
strands of ancient carnelian beads here. Strand
#1 has 13
inches of a variety of shapes and ages of ancient carnelians as well as
a fat bead which is 1 3/8 inches across at its widest. It is
a
gorgeous worn ancient bead with clouds of white coating on it formed
from years of burial. That bead can easily be over 2000 years
old. It is a very impressive strand which only needs a few
spacer
beads or beads at the back to make a necklace. $425.US.
The next strand of beads #2 - are Bactrian. There are the
typical
disc beads, and round beads with the strand measuring a little over 10
inches long. The central bead is the type that would be
carved at
the end and used as a seal. This one is smooth and 3/4 inch
tall.
$310.US. Strand #3 consists of fine, delicate,
tubular
ancient carnelians with a few odd shapes thrown in - almost 20 inches
long. $250.US. (#3 is sold) The strands all came from the
mid-East from
a Persian dealer. (#1 & #2 are available)
AN338. Here is a beautiful oval flattened Islamic
beads.
The swirls of black and white are quite traditional, made
with a
fine glass and nicely smoothed over time. From the side as
shown
in the photo above the bead is almost 3/4 inches tall and 7/8 inch
wide. The bead is 3/8 inch thick with a good sized
hole
going through it - it could sit on a cord. I
acquired this
from a Persian dealer who generally sells coins from the area.
$155.US.
AN339. This patitinated brass bead was dug up in
Bulgaria.
There is still a little dirt inside. The bead is 1
inch
long and 1/2 inch in diameter. It has an attractive smooth
finish
to it and could be the centerpiece of a simple necklace or strung onto
a cord. The bead is definitely over 1000 years old but I
can't
date it any more accurately than that. $45.US.
AN341. This Islamic bead from the Iran area is
recently
excavated. It is not fully cleaned as you can see on the
photo.
The local museum glass curator suggests that dirt be
carefully
brushed off but that ancient beads should not be washed. The
bead
has clear white raised trails on it and the dark base of the bead has
some glistening colour from age peeking through. The bead is
slightly longer than 7/8 inches long and 1/2 inch in diameter.
It
is a good clear example. $195.US.
AN342.
This fat holed faience bead is 7/8 inch across and 3/8 inch
tall. It is from the Persia/Iran area. $35.US.
AN345.
This silver coin is covered with stamps set with a hot iron,
one
at a time. They all have meanings and there are books in
research
libraries which illustrate them. The coin is from India - the
Karshapana Period of Ashoka - Mauryan Bindusdra. C.272-232BC.
$55.US.
AN346. This silver drachm is from India.
Guptas,
Skandagupta C. AD455-480. There is a profile on the
obverse
and a complex design on the revers $32.US.
AN351. This is a silver Venetian grosso of the
Doge
Giovanni Dandalo. AD1280-1289. On the obverse is
Christ
enthroned and on the reverse is the Doge and St. Mark Papadopoli.
$50.US.
AN358. This 15 inch long necklace is a combination
of
different ancient and antique beads with modern silver spacers.
There are some interesting beads to spend time with...
$220.US. (sold)
AN359. Here is a modern strand of facet tourmaline
beads with an ancient Medeival pendant. It is made of bronze,
has
a coating of patina from the long years of its life and an ancient
glass cabochon in the middle. The pendant is 1 1/2 inches
wide.
The necklace is 16 inches long. $185.US.
AN360. Here is a marvellous strand of beads from the Iran
or the area nearby. The necklace is 22 inches long (no clasp,
just knotted shut) with 15 1/2 inches of beads on it plus pendant.
The pendant is 1 1/4 inches long. The necklace
beads are
mostly ancient turquoise with one small etched agate and four small
beads that appear to be gold. There are two small winged
beads as
well. The pendant has a gorgeous skinny agate just under 7/8
inch
long, then a slim flat square of nicely coloured agate, and then a
wrought metal bead which I am told has a percentage of gold in it.
The metals have not been tested but are certainly ancient
beads.
This is quite delicate and beautiful. $420.US.
AN361. This is a beautifully made silver ring with an
ancient coin as its centerpiece. The coin is of Constantius
II,
Flavius Iulius Constantius minted in the 4th century A.D. He
was
the second of the three sons of Constantine the Great.
Constantius eventually met and crushed Magnentius in the
Battle
of Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles in Roman History.
The ring is 1 1/8 inch across from top to bottom in the
image,
and the coin is just under 5/8 inch across. The ring is a
size 8.
$75.US.
AN362. This
is a beautifully made silver
ring with an ancient coin as its centerpiece. The coin is of
Constantius II, Flavius Iulius Constantius minted in the 4th century
A.D. He was the second of the three sons of Constantine the
Great.
Constantius eventually met and crushed Magnentius in the
Battle
of
Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles in Roman History.
The
ring
is a little more than 1 1/8 inch across from the top to the bottom of
the image, and the coin is just under 5/8 inch across. The
ring
is a size 7.5. $75.US.
AN366. This is a simple and attractive silver ring with
an ancient coin as its centerpiece. The coin is of
Constantine
the Great - Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus from 306-337 A.D.
Constantine was best known for being the first Christian
Roman
Emperor. In 324 Constantine announced his decision to
transform
Byzantium into Nova Roma and on May 11, 330 he officially proclaimed
the city the new capital of the Roman Empire. The city was
renamed Constantinople, the City of Constantine after Constantine's
death in 337. It would remain the capital of the Byzantine
Empire
for over a thousand years. The coin is about 13/16 inch
across
and a size 9.5. $105.US. (sold)
AN372. This
is a beautifully made silver
ring with an ancient coin as its centerpiece. The coin is of
Constantius II, Flavius Iulius Constantius minted in the 4th century
A.D.
He
was the second of the three sons of Constantine the Great.
Constantius eventually met and crushed Magnentius in the
Battle of
Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles in Roman History.
The coin is just over 11/16 inch across. The ring
is a
size 8. $70.US.
AN374. Here is a wonderful ancient fibula set with a blue
glass stone. It comes from the Viking material found in
Staraya
Ladoga in Russia, in the Saint Petersburg region. It is
strong
enough to be used as a fibula but I would be careful not wanting it to
bang against anything as there is a certain delicacy to items so old.
The blue glass is set in very well with some decorative metal
work around it. The piece is 2 3/8 inches across and the pin
is 2
3/4 inches across. $225.US.
AN380.
Here is a very sweet 1 3/4 inch long chung zi bead (also
known
as a dzi or gzi bead). For an excellent and affordable
article
on Tibetan Zi beads written by the researcher Jamey D. Allen please get
a copy of "Arts of Asia" Vol.32 No.4. There are some
excellent
photographs of an interesting variety of zi beads as well as Jamey's
overview. These beads are thought to have a magical aspect to
them. It is a mystery as to how they were created and as to
whether they fell from skies or were unearthed between the rocks.
Good zis are ancient and made of agate like this one.
These
beads are highly respected by the Tibetans (and by zi collectors alike)
and are worn as a protective ornament. These beads were
"etched"
or coloured to give them their decoration. There are more
complex
ones with different names having zig zags or or circles on them.
Myself, I love the chung zis with their simple bands on them.
This bead has a couple of old chips in it that you can see on
the
photo. They are nicely worn and simply part of the life of
the
beads. $800.US.
AN381. Here is an unusual strand of cone shaped ancient
glass beads. I haven't had beads like this before - they have
quite large holes, generally between 1/8 and 1/4 inch across.
The
yellow cone in the preview image on the left has a diameter of just
under 1 inch and is 3/8 inch tall. The strand is 18 inches
long.
The pinkish smooth bead is stone, and most of the spacers are
ancient as well. These beads would be Roman period or older.
They show the textured finish of ancient glass that had been
buried. $550.US.
AN384.
Here are three stone spindle whorls carved in ancient times
found in Anatolia. The largest one is 1 1/8 inches across.
They can easily be used as beads. The three beads are part
of a collection and will be sold together for $225.US.
AN385. This is a group of ten Neolithic stone beads
similar to the ones in the inside cover of "the History of Beads"
coming out of Anatolia. They are thousands of years old.
The group of ten beads is being sold as a collection - it was
acquired in the early nineties with the help of ancient coin dealers.
Each bead is significantly different from each other so quite
museum like when viewed. The largest bead is a flat oval one 1
1/2 inches long and 7/8 inches wide. Some of the beads have
patterning on them and the very smallest is a seal bead with a branch
like design on it. These feel very smoothed having been touched
for many years before they wound up being buried. There are even
wear marks on the stone bead holes. $1200.US/the collection.
AN386. These two Celtic beads are sold together.
The image is enlarged - the beads are actually just over 3/8 inch
across and one is a little thicker than the other, both having a single
hole going through. The beads have the typical circle patterns on
them (on both sides) and are made of bronze. They each have a
different shade of green tarnish to them. They could easily be
used to make a pair of earrings. It is hard to date them but a
few hundred years is certain. $120.US/pair
AN387. This is an ancient pale carnelian Neo-Assyrian
cylinder seal. It portrays Ishtar, the sun goddess, in her starry
radiance--standing surrounded by a nimbus of stars and wearing a horned
miter. Her long robe is open in front revealing a short, bordered
garment. A worshipper in a long fringed garment points to the
goddess with his right hand and holds his left palm upward.
Behind the goddess is a naked scorpion man wearing a miter. His
hands are raised up, possibly to support the winged disc (symbol of the
sun) above him. In the field are a crescent and eight globes. The
scorpion man (of the constellation Scorpio), in supporting the winged
disc, illustrates his super human and protective nature. The
worshipper may be a Neo-Assyrian king of the 9th or 8th century B.C.,
the period when this drilled style was favoured in Assyria. This
seal was worn strung around the neck as a bead. 1 1/16" long.
(sold)
AN388. This is a small rectangular seal bead, and I do
mean "small". It is 7/16 inches long, 3/8 inch wide and 5/16
inches tall. It is lightly crusted with a patination, and age has
made the patterns look quite vague. I believe that the larger
images are figures of people judging by the moulded image, but I don't
know. $65.US.
AN389. These two strands of beads were put together by
the same bead artist with beads that all look excellent together.
(unfortunately they are on fishing line and need restringing with
nice clasps as well) I did not want to separate them and will
only sell them as a pair. The central bead of the top strand is a
"morfia" made between the 9th and 11th centuries possibly in Fustat,
Egypt (5/8 inch long - 15mm - and 5/8 inch in diameter). The
beads were made of twisted polychrome glass rods. These beads are
highly prized in Mauritania constantly increasing in value. The
bead has 4 pitted holes on it - you can see two in the image to the
left. The other two are quite small - and even including that,
this bead is in much better condition than many. On that same
strand are feather beads, then two yellow Islamic eye beads. They are
in excellent condition, one being very colourful with red and turquoise
"suns". The next major beads are green oval Venetians with gold
stripes and squiggles on them. They are lightly worn so that the
gold has faded a little. After that is a range of Venetians in
mixed condition, with gold/glass beads between, some ancient and some a
hundred or so years old. The green cornerless cubes are rather
nice as well. The back beads on the strand are ancient faience
from Egypt. On the lower strand is another oval Venetian with
gold (13/16 inch long), millefiores from the twenties or so, spotted
Venetians and more cornerless cubes. The spacer beads are a mix
of faience and glass which all seems to be ancient. Strand #1 -
24 inches long. Strand #2 - 22 inches long.
$750.US./for both strands sold together.
AN390. I have a group of 14 Sassanian bead seals here.
They are very tricky as they are often imitated. There are
three on this strand that I have doubts about and they are different
sizes but have essentially the same shape. If you count the beads
from the top of the strand in the first photo, those beads are #4, #8
and #9. The rest of the beads look good. Bead #3 is quite
smoothed over and an image cannot be seen, #12 has no flat side or
image, and #13 and #14 just have the vaguest memories of an image.
This is a great collection though and could be the focus of a
cream & caramel coloured necklace. $1250.US.
AN391. Here are nine ancient beads from the Roman period
- in beautiful shades of turquoise and green. They are all made
of glass with the same technique pressing into the side of the hot
glass over and over to make this shape. The strand is 3 7/8
inches long. The largest bead is 5/8 inch in diameter.
$350.US.
AN392. This is a rather wonderful Byzantine
pendant. I had cast copies of it for sale in the past but this is
the original that I took a mould from. The brass pendant (the
surface is lightly coloured by time) is 1 3/4 inches tall and has a
very graceful shape. There are two loops at the top for
stringing. The piece is in excellent condition. $180.US. (sold)
AN393.
This bronze piece is probably an Islamic design (over 800 years
old) that was probably originally some kind of belt ornament. I
has a very gentle curve to it, and graceful cut-outs. There are
no hanging loops but the top cut-outs can be used to put a cord
through. The piece is just under 1 7/8 inches across and 1 5/8
inches tall. It has a great dark green patina to it - I do like
to protect patinas by careful wear. $150.US.
AN394. There are four pieces here. #1 is a stamped
bronze piece 1 3/8 inches tall with an interesting floral design on it.
It has no way to fasten it, but a piece could be glued against
the back, perhaps a panel that allows a string to pass behind it.
$30.US. #2 is the end of a Byzantine belt - the photo is
of the rougher side, the other side is quite perfect. The ending
that the leather belt would be inserted into is open so that a thick
ribbon or leather piece could be used again. The piece is 1 5/8
inches tall and has a beautiful dark green patina to it.
$135.US. #3 is a very typical Byzantine cross. It seems
that a zillion of these were made out of bronze in the 8th to 10th
centuries--all with the same circles in the center and on the arms of
each cross... They are so similar that they could have almost
been made from the same one mold - and were popular with a large
proportion of people living then. $150.US. #4 is some
kind of fitting that I can't quite decide on. It has a beautiful
pale green patina, is a little over 1 3/8 inches tall, has 4 stringing
holes, and is flat on the back. $65.US. (#1, #3 & #4 are sold - #2 is available)
AN395. Here is a bronze Medeival thimble. It is
open at the top and at the bottom so interesting as beads could pass
through it. The piece is 11/16 inches tall. I like the way
the texture has been made by pin points in an interesting pattern.
One can use it in jewellery or one can use it as a thimble like
it was used in the past. $45.US.
AN399. Here is a small collection of small ancient beads,
all 1000 years or older. When lined up they measure 3 1/8 inches
long with the largest (pulled stripes) being 1/2 inch long. There
is a nice mosaic bead of brick red and white, as well as eye beads.
$250.US. (on hold)
AN400. This strand of ancient Roman horned eye glass
beads were excavated in the area of the Black Sea in Europe. Most
of the beads are blue, a few have dark red cores. The eyes are
mostly yellow with blue or green central spots on them. A few are
whitish from the devitrification of the buried glass. These beads
probably date to 200BC or so. When I acquired the beads I took a
chance and cleaned them as they were fully white - and I managed to
clean much of that surface colouration off. There are 13 inches
of beads and would be best strung on a natural cord with knots between
the beads to protect them. The largest beads are 5/16 of an inch
or so in diameter. $1200.US.
AN403. I have a series of ancient rings (almost all are
bronze) which I collected 20 years ago or so. They are wearable
with one thing to keep in mind. If they are worn often the patina
(a coloured coating building up on the ring over many years) will wear
down and the metal itself will show again. It is best to maintain
the patina as part of the history of the piece.
AN404. There are three more rings here, each of a
distinctive style. Ring #1 has a thick and well decorated
band. There are small bits of etching, relief and design all
around the band culminating in a sprue decorated with a few diagonal
lines. The bezel of the ring is flower shaped and has a cross
type design impressed into it with an engraver's tool.
AN405. There are two ancient rings here. #1 is a
flanged ring typical of early Roman ones. The catalog of the
British Museum collection of ancient rings illustrates a few similar
types--often cast in gold, but also in silver and bronze. This
ring fits beautifully on one of the smallest finger of a woman's hand,
and is surprisingly very comfortable. It has a simple design
carved into the circular bezel, which may be a very abstraced portrait.
I would place this ring around the 3rd Century A.D. size 5.
$195.US. #2 is quite interesting in its construction.
It has a raised opening where a stone must have sat over a
thousand years ago. One could fasten in a correctly sized round
cabochon. I don't know what the hole across the ring is for, but
think it looks great. size 7 $110.US.
AN406. Ring #1 is bronze with the original blue glass
stone sitting in it. size 5.5 $95.US. #2 is a
bronze ring with a brown patina on it. It has a centerpiece of a
blue glass stone with an image carved into it. It is too worn
though to see what was pictured there. The ring is oval so
difficult to measure exactly. approximately size 5.5
$125.US. #3 is a silver oval ring - very traditional in Roman
times - with a clear image of a standing figure carved into the red
oval cabochon. It is very tiny with an opening at the back and a
size 3 or so. $110.US.
AN407. #1 is an ancient ring with a floral design on it.
It has a crack across the back so is not in perfect condition -
and is a size 6.5 $35.US. #2 is a very perfect ring - it
looks simple from the photo but it has a very beautiful image carved
into the round front to be used as a seal. It has a wonderful
creature with lots of detail on it - it looks like a crouched lion with
a mane and something over its head. I copied the image onto a
moulding material but it didn't come out as sharply as it really is.
Click here.
In the enlargement you can also see the ring cast in gold.
I don't remember the karat of the gold but it is in the 20k
range. size 5.5
$245.US for the original ring, and $300.US for the copy in gold.
#3 is a tiny and delicate
ring. It has a small 3 step pyramid on the top which is funnily
enough a little crooked... so when you look at it from the top it
is not exactly square, but very slightly tilted to the
diagonal... it gives it a sweet and quirky look. This
originally bronze ring is probably late Roman or early Byzantine--we'll
say from the 5th to 7th Century A.D. size 8 $45.US. (#1 & #3 are sold)
AN408. This is a heavy bronze ring made for one of the
smaller fingers of a man's hand... It has a dark green patination
but one can see the brass underneath at corners. There is some
delicate etching around the bezel, and a simple pattern on the top, of
two swirls meeting... probably symbolizing harmony, balance, and
perhaps infinity. The back of the ring where the original sprue was
(the channel where the molten metal was poured into the original mold
of the ring) still has a low remnant of the sprue which has been shaped
and carved with a flower design. This ring is a very collectible
piece. size 9.5 $350.US.
AN409. This is rather an amazingly shaped ring - the
scalloped shape of it is very unusual and I think with the the short
bar at the bottom it was made to be used as a pendant (a cord could be
tied there) as well as a ring. The 1/4 inch tall section has a
seal carved into it. In the ancient days distinctive seal images (this one is a small bird with large feet, and three dots under it...) were important as signatures in the signing of documents. size 7.5 $250.US.
AN410. This Byzantine cross from Bulgaria has only one
hinge attached to the top portion of the cross so can't be hung upright
as is unless you can attach something to the broken hinge - it does
have two secure loops at the opposite end. This would normally
have been only the front half of the cross. The hinge at the
bottom would have attached the front to a nearly identical (but
undecorated) back piece. The loops at the top would have
interlocked so that when a cord was passed through, the two sides would
remain closed. Inside this reliquary cross a pilgrim or a
religious devotee would have placed items of devotional and spiritual
importance. These crosses are found broken more often than not,
and continued to be highly valued and still worn in that state...
2 1/2" high $350.US.
AN411. These four beads are extremely rare. They
have been identified by an expert in the field as being ancient beads
from Mitanni. This was a state in Northern Syria dating from
1500BC to 1300BC so this is among the earliest glass. Trade
routes passed through the area and many items passed through.
Necklaces were popular during that period with glass, gems and
stones. The tallest bead is a little over 1 1/4 inches tall.
It has an old cut in it that you can see in the photo and a
little chipping around the bead holes. The second bead has an old
chip which you can see on the photo. The smallest bead is 15/16
inches tall and in excellent condition. The last bead has a chip
at one end and some irridescence has formed there many many years ago.
I have photographed the beads with the damaged sides showing
(even though it is old damage and part of the history of the beads) -
the other sides have no problems. The group of 4 beads is
$500.US.
AN412. Here is a very delicate, very beautiful, with
intricate beads - strand of ancient faience from Iran. The
colours are pale and interesting and a lot of the beads have
cross-hatching, lines, dots or dashes on them. The pendant is 1
1/4 inches long and there are 17 1/2 inches of beads. The string
is 23 inches long so some people can slip it over their head. You
can see the same type of faience on page 105 of "Collectible Beads".
$480.US.
AN415. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of
Constantius II (Flavius Julius Constantius - Caesar, 323-337;
Augustus, 337 - 361 AD). Constantius was the second of the three sons
of Constantine the Great. Constantius eventually met and crushed
Magnentius in the Gattle of Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles
in Roman History. Constantius took an active part in the affairs of
the Christian church, he is not remembered as a restorer of unity, but
as a heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church. Size 9.5. $68.US.
AN416. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of
Constantine the Great (Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus
306-337AD). Constantine was best known for being the first Christian
Roman Emperor. In 324 Constantine announced his dcision to transform
Byzantium into Nova Roma and on May 11, 330 he officially proclaimed
the city the new capital of the Roman Empire. The city was renamed
Constantinople - the City of Constantine, after Constantine's death in
337. It would remain the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a
thousand years. Size 6. $78.US. (sold)
AN417. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of Constantius
II (Flavius Julius Constantius - Caesar, 323-337; Augustus, 337 -
361 AD). Constantius was the second of the three sons of
Constantine the Great. Constantius eventually met and crushed
Magnentius in the Gattle of Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles
in Roman History. Constantius took an active part in the affairs
of the Christian church, he is not remembered as a restorer of unity,
but as a heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church.
Size 10. $108.US.
AN418. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of Constantine
the Great (Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus 306-337AD).
Constantine was best known for being the first Christian Roman
Emperor. In 324 Constantine announced his dcision to transform
Byzantium into Nova Roma and on May 11, 330 he officially proclaimed
the city the new capital of the Roman Empire. The city was
renamed Constantinople - the City of Constantine, after Constantine's
death in 337. It would remain the capital of the Byzantine Empire
for over a thousand years. Size 11. $138.US. (sold)
AN419. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of Licinius
(Flavius Galerius Valerius Liinianus Licinius 308-324AD).
Of Dacian peasant origin, born in Moesia Superior, Licinius
accompanied his close friend the Emperor Galerius on the Persian
expedition in 297. Galerius elevated Licinius to the rank of
Augustus in the West on November 11, 308. He received as his
immediate command the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace and Pannonia (the
Western half of the Roman Empire). Size 11. $158.US. (sold)
AN420. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of
Constantius II (Flavius Julius Constantius - Caesar, 323-337;
Augustus, 337 - 361 AD). Constantius was the second of the three sons
of Constantine the Great. Constantius eventually met and crushed
Magnentius in the Gattle of Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles
in Roman History. Constantius took an active part in the affairs of
the Christian church, he is not remembered as a restorer of unity, but
as a heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church. Size 9. $68.US.
AN421. This silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of
Constantius II (Flavius Julius Constantius - Caesar, 323-337;
Augustus, 337 - 361 AD). Constantius was the second of the three sons
of Constantine the Great. Constantius eventually met and crushed
Magnentius in the Gattle of Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles
in Roman History. Constantius took an active part in the affairs of
the Christian church, he is not remembered as a restorer of unity, but
as a heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church. Size 9. $78.US.
AN422. This sterling silver ring (image enlarged) has a bronze coin of
Constantius Gallus (Flavius Claudius Constantius Gallus 325/326 -
354AD) the son of Julius Constantius by his first wife Galla.
Gallus' paternal grandparents were Western Roman Emperor
Constantius Chlorus and his second wife Flavia Maximiana Theodora.
Julius Constantius was also a half-brother of Roman Emperor
Constantine I, and thus Gallus was a first cousin of Emperors
Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans. Size 7.
$86.US.
AN423. These silver earrings feature two different bronze
coins. One coin is of Valens and the other is of Constantius II.
From the top of the earwire to the bottoms of the coins the
earrings measure 1 9/16 inches tall. $138.US.
AN424. These silver earrings feature two different bronze
coins. One coin is of Valens and the other is of Constantius II.
From the top of the earwire to the bottoms of the coins the
earrings measure 1 1/2 inches tall. $108.US.
AN425. These silver earrings feature two different bronze
coins. One coin is of Constantius II and the other is of Valens.
From the top of the earwire to the bottoms of the coins the
earrings measure 1 1/2 inches tall. $128.US.
AN426. These silver stud earrings feature two bronze
coins of Constantius II. The coins average 5/8 in height.
$98.US.
AN445. This size 8 ring is quite wonderful as the bronze
coin flips on it, so that you can see one side or the other. The
coin is one of Constantine the Great (Flavius Valerius Aurelius
Constantinus) (306-337AD). Constantine was best known for being
the first Christian Roman Emperor. In 324, Constantine announced
his decision to transform Byzantium into Nova Roma. On May 11,
330, he officially proclaimed the city the new capital of the Roman
Empire. The city was renamed Constantinople. The city was
renamed again when the Emperor died in 337 as the City of Constantine.
It would remain the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a
thousand years. $68.US. (sold)
AN446. This size 11 ring has a bronze coin of Valens.
(Flavius Julius Valens) (364-378AD) Valens is credited with
the commission of a short history of the Roman State. This work,
produced by Valens' secretary Eutropius, and known with the name
Breviarium ab Urbe condita, tells the story of Rome from its founding.
According to some historians, Valens was motivated by the
necessity of learning Roman history so that he, the royal family and
their appointees might better mix with the Roman Senatorial class.
Valens was sometimes known as the Last True Roman Emperor.
His successor was Theodosius I. $98.US. (sold)
AN447. This size 10 ring has an interesting bronze coin
sit into it. This is a coin commemorating Romulus and Remus the
traditional founders of Rome. They appear in Roman mythology as
the twin sons of the priestess Rhea Silvia with the god of war - Mars.
Romulus slew Remus ove a dispute about which one of the two
brothers had the support of the local deities to rule the new city and
give it his name. The name they gave the city was Rome. The
twins suckling from the wolf are generally on coins from the
Constantine era, circa 306-324AD as a commemorative issue representing
the founders of Rome. $160.US.
AN448. This is a smaller ring, a size 6. The coin
is one of Constantine the Great. (Flavius Valerius Aurelius
Constantinus) (306-337AD). Constantine was best known for being
the
first Christian Roman Emperor. In 324, Constantine announced his
decision to transform Byzantium into Nova Roma. On May 11, 330,
he
officially proclaimed the city the new capital of the Roman Empire.
The city was renamed Constantinople. The city was renamed
again when
the Emperor died in 337 as the City of Constantine. It would
remain
the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years.
$88.US. (sold)
AN449. This ring is a size 7 and set with a bronze coin
of Licinius. (Flavius Galerius Valerius Licinianus Licinius)
(308-324AD) Of Dacian peasant origin, born in Moesia Superior,
Licinius accompanied his close friend the Emperor Galerius on the
Persian expedition in 297. Galerius elevated Licinius to the rank
of Augustus in the west on November 11, 308. He received as his
immediate command the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace and Pannonia (the
western half of the Roman Empire). $84.US.
AN450. Maximianus (Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus)
(308-313AD) He was originally a peasant named Daia, the nephew of
Galerius, his predecessor. He rose to high distinction after he had
joined the army, and in 305 he was adopted by his maternal uncle
Galerius. He was raised to the rank of Caesar with the governments of
Syria and Aegyptus. In 308 after the elevation of Licinius to
Augustus, Maximinus and Constantine were declared filii Augustorum
(sons of the Augusti). $128.US.
AN451. The next group of coin pendants are set with
Widows Mites. (103-76BC Bibilical coins) "And Jesus sat
over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into
the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And
there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two Mites...
And he called unto him his disciples and saith unto them - Verily
I say unto you that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they
which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of
their abundance: but she of her want did cast in all she had."
Mark 12:41-44 $98.US. (sold)
AN452. Widows Mite set in silver. See description above. $88.US. (sold)
AN453. Widows Mite set in silver. See description above. $72.US. (sold)
AN454. Widows Mite set in silver. See description above. $88.US.
AN455. Widows Mite set in silver. See description above. $88.US.
AN456. This pendant is of Constantinius II.
(Flavius Julius Constantius) (Caesar 323-337; Augustus 337-361AD)
Constantius was the second of the three sons of Constantine the
Great. Constantius eventually met and crushed Magnentius in the
Battle of Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history.
Constantius took an active part in the affairs of the Christian
church. He is not remembered as a restorer of unity though, but
as a heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church.
$52.US.
AN457. This pendant is of Constantinius II.
(Flavius Julius Constantius) (Caesar 323-337; Augustus 337-361AD)
Constantius was the second of the three sons of Constantine the Great.
Constantius eventually met and crushed Magnentius in the Battle of
Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history.
Constantius took an active part in the affairs of the Christian
church. He is not remembered as a restorer of unity though, but as a
heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church. $88.US.
AN458. This pendant is of Constantinius II.
(Flavius Julius Constantius) (Caesar 323-337; Augustus 337-361AD)
Constantius was the second of the three sons of Constantine the Great.
Constantius eventually met and crushed Magnentius in the Battle of
Mursa Major, one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history.
Constantius took an active part in the affairs of the Christian
church. He is not remembered as a restorer of unity though, but as a
heretic who arbitrarily imposed his will on the church. $52.US.
AN459. This pendant is of Constantine the Great. (Flavius Valerius Aurelius
Constantinus) (306-337AD). Constantine was best known for being the
first Christian Roman Emperor. In 324, Constantine announced his
decision to transform Byzantium into Nova Roma. On May 11, 330, he
officially proclaimed the city the new capital of the Roman Empire.
The city was renamed Constantinople. The city was renamed again when
the Emperor died in 337 as the City of Constantine. It would remain
the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. $98.US. (sold)
AN460. This pendant is of Constantine the Great. (Flavius Valerius Aurelius
Constantinus) (306-337AD). Constantine was best known for being the
first Christian Roman Emperor. In 324, Constantine announced his
decision to transform Byzantium into Nova Roma. On May 11, 330, he
officially proclaimed the city the new capital of the Roman Empire.
The city was renamed Constantinople. The city was renamed again when
the Emperor died in 337 as the City of Constantine. It would remain
the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. $54.US. (sold)
AN461. This pendant is of Constantine the Great. (Flavius Valerius Aurelius
Constantinus) (306-337AD). Constantine was best known for being the
first Christian Roman Emperor. In 324, Constantine announced his
decision to transform Byzantium into Nova Roma. On May 11, 330, he
officially proclaimed the city the new capital of the Roman Empire.
The city was renamed Constantinople. The city was renamed again when
the Emperor died in 337 as the City of Constantine. It would remain
the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. $76.US. (sold)
AN462. This is a good sized pendant of Maximinus.
(Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus) (308-313AD) He was
originally a peasant named Daia, the nephew of Galerius, his
predecessor. He rose to high distinction after he had joined the
army, and in 305 he was adopted by his maternal uncle Galerius.
He was raised to the rank of Caesar with the governments of Syria
and Aegyptus. In 308 after the elevation of Licinius to Augustus,
Maximinus and Constantine were declared filii Augustorum (sons of the
Augusti). $88.US. (sold)
AN463. This is a pendant of
Maximinus. (Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus) (308-313AD) He was
originally a peasant named Daia, the nephew of Galerius, his
predecessor. He rose to high distinction after he had joined the army,
and in 305 he was adopted by his maternal uncle Galerius. He was
raised to the rank of Caesar with the governments of Syria and
Aegyptus. In 308 after the elevation of Licinius to Augustus,
Maximinus and Constantine were declared filii Augustorum (sons of the
Augusti). $88.US.
AN464. This is a pendant of Valentinian I. (Flavius
Valentinianus) (364-375AD) He was the Roman Emperor from 364
until his death. Valentinian is often referred to as the "last
great western emperor". Valentinian's chief work was guarding the
frontiers and establishing military positions. Valentinian was a
Christian but permitted liberal religious freedom to all his subjects,
proscribing only some forms of rituals such as particular types of
sacrifices and banning the practice of magic... $68.US.
AN465. This pendant is set with a coin of Licinius. (Flavius Galerius
Valerius Licinianus Licinius) (308-324AD) Of Dacian peasant origin,
born in Moesia Superior, Licinius accompanied his close friend the
Emperor Galerius on the Persian expedition in 297. Galerius elevated
Licinius to the rank of Augustus in the west on November 11, 308. He
received as his immediate command the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace
and Pannonia (the western half of the Roman Empire). $58.US. (sold)
AN466. This pendant is set with a coin of Licinius. (Flavius Galerius
Valerius Licinianus Licinius) (308-324AD) Of Dacian peasant origin,
born in Moesia Superior, Licinius accompanied his close friend the
Emperor Galerius on the Persian expedition in 297. Galerius elevated
Licinius to the rank of Augustus in the west on November 11, 308. He
received as his immediate command the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace
and Pannonia (the western half of the Roman Empire). $78.US.
AN467. This pendant has a coin of Theodosius I (The
Great) (Flavius Theodosius) (379-395AD) Reuniting the eastern and
western portions of the empire, Theodosius was the last emperor of both
the Eastern and Western Roman Empire. After his death, the
two parts split permanently. He is also known for making
Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire.
$52.US.
AN468. This pendant has a coin of Theodosius
I (The Great) (Flavius Theodosius) (379-395AD) Reuniting the eastern
and western portions of the empire, Theodosius was the last emperor of
both the Eastern and Western Roman Empire. After his death, the two
parts split permanently. He is also known for making Christianity the
official state religion of the Roman Empire. $52.US.
AN469. This is a pendant with a coin of Faustina the
Elder. (Annia Galeria Faustina) Wife of Roman Emperor
Antoninus Pius, Emperor from 138-161AD. Throughout her life
Faustina as a private citizen and an empress was involved in assisting
with charities, the poor and sponsoring in the education of Roman
children, particularly of Roman girls. She founded a charity
called Puellae Faustinianae or Girls of Faustina which assisted
orphaned girls. She can be viewed as one of the most moral,
stable and respected empresses in the history of the Roman Empire.
$76.US.
AN470. This pendant has a coin (after 146BC)
of Thasos, an island off the coast of Thrace in the northern part of
the Aegeon Sea. On the obverse is an image of Dionysus a major
figure of Greek mythology: the god of wine, the inspirer of ecstacy,
and one of the twelve Olympians. The divine mission of Dionysus
was to mingle the music of the aulos and to bring an end to care and
worry. He was also known as Bacchus, the name adopted by the
Romans. On the reverse is Herakles. $98.US.
AN471. This pendant is set with a facet amethyst of a
rich purple colour as well as a coin of the Crusades. The
Crusades were a series of military expeditions that continued on and
off for several hundred years from 1095AD until about the 14th century.
Over twenty "official" Crusades were launched with varying
degrees of success. The Crusades originally had the goal of
recapturing Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim rule and were
launched in response to a call from the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine
Empire. $120.US. (sold)
AN472. This pendant is set with a coin of the Crusades.
The Crusades were a series of military expeditions that continued on
and off for several hundred years from 1095AD until about the 14th
century. Over twenty "official" Crusades were launched with varying
degrees of success. The Crusades originally had the goal of
recapturing Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim rule and were
launched in response to a call from the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine
Empire. $78.US.
AN473. This pendant (where to coin twirls on its
spindles) has a coin of the Winged Victory. In Roman mythology
Victoria was the personification/Goddess of victory. She is the
Roman version of the Greek goddess Nike. Unlike the Greek Nike,
Victoria was a major part of Roman society. Multiple temples were
erected in her honour and a vast cult existed for hundreds of years
worshipping her. When her statue was removed in 382AD by
emperor Gratianus there was much anger in Rome. She was
normally worshipped by triumphant generals returning from war.
$72.US. (sold)
AN474. This pendant features a large coin of the
Byzantine Empire. Some date the beginning of the Byzantine Empire
at 476AD after the Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus. After the
Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453AD the Roman Empire
completely fell. The terms Byzantine Empire (a historiographical
term used since the 19th century) and Eastern Roman Empire of the
Middle Ages. The "M" on the reverse of the bronze coin represents
the denomination 40 nummi. $148.US.
AN475. There are 8 ancient eye beads here - they are
often called Roman but the bead researchers seem to now agree that they
are most likely Islamic. These are in excellent condition with
the smallest one measuring 9/16 inch across and the largest is
marginally under 3/4 inch across. These would make an excellent
centerpiece for a necklace. $480.US/for the group.
AN476. Here are some richly coloured Hebron glass beads.
They have been oiled with mineral oil (that is the habit with
some dealers) to avoid having them dry too easily and to bring out the
colour. The strands each have an average of 21 inches of beads on
them. These are wound beads which most likely used sand from the
region of Hebron, an ancient glass making center. These beads are
most likely over 500 years old. $160.US/each strand. (the blue strand is available, the others are sold)
AN477. This is a delicately made necklace of shell beads
made over 2000 years ago. It is 18 inches long with a pendant of 1 inch
by 3/4 inch. I would restring this myself, put a clasp on it and
find it very magical to wear. $380.US.
AN478. Here is a monumentally beautiful strand of banded
agate beads. This is 24 inches long with quite large beads in the
front section. There are a few odd beads on the strand including
the central one which is not banded but a dark toffee colour.
Close by is another dark toffee bead. Two beads further
from that one is a banded bead that looks like it is made of glass.
The largest actual ancient banded agates are to each side of the
central bead, averaging slightly over 3/4 inch in diameter.
Halfway down the strand the beads average 1/2 inch in diameter,
and the smallest beads at the end are 5/16 inch in diameter. -
$1550.US. (sold)
AN479. Islamic glass beads. $160.US/each strand (#1 is sold)
AN480. Islamic glass beads. $160.US/each strand
AN481. Islamic glass beads. $135.US/each strand (#3 is on hold, the others are sold)
AN482. Islamic glass beads. $135.US/each strand
AN483. Islamic glass beads. $95.US/each strand (#2 is available)
AN484. This is a very attractive ancient holed coin.
(holed in antiquity). It is bronze and 1 inch in diameter.
I was originally told that it is a coin of the Crusades but truly
know nothing. If a coin researcher sees this, I would love to
know exactly where the coin is from and what it represents.
$75.US.
AN485. This ancient bronze buckle came out of Bulgaria.
It has a brownish patina on it, and will hang nicely as a pendant
as it has a 3/8 inch long post behind the point at the top, with a hole
going through it where the stringing cord could go. It is
attractively decorates with delicate little lines, still visible under
the patina. The piece is 2 inches tall. $95.US.
AN486. This is a heavy and attractive bronze piece
(patinated dark brown) measuring 2 1/2 inches tall. At the top it
has two bars going up with a hole in each one. The stringing cord
can go right through the two of them for a secure suspension.
$75.US. (sold)
AN487. The green patination on this ancient bronze piece
is a great colour. It has a little crusting from age on it as
well, as it has been long buried in Bulgaria. The piece is 1 7/8
inches tall. It has three tabs in the back (2 at the top, and 1
at the bottom) which will make suspension as a pendant easy.
$95.US.
AN488. This ancient bronze piece came from Bulgaria.
It has a mossy green patination. It has three posts/tabs in
the back with holes in them - 2 at the top, and 1 at the bottom.
The piece is slightly under 1 3.4 inches tall. $95.US.
AN489. This is a very old bone strand. It is
hundreds of years old. The prayer beads are just over 20 inches
long with a 2 1/2 inch long pendant (bead and tassle)
$195.US.
AN436. There are four Islamic blue bead strands here.
These are cut glass beads and I have always liked the pattern
created on them by the pulling of the glass before cutting - those
lines on the beads that give a distinctive delicate texture. The
bead strands average 24 inches in length and are nicely graduated.
$145.US/each strand. (#1, #2 & #4 are sold, #3 is available)
AN437. Here is an interesting pair of hair rings from the
Roman Empire. After the amount of years that have passed it is
not obviously clear what the metal is - it might easily be silver whose
surface has changed after long burial. There are some nice
details of design on these pieces to give an attractive look when wound
around curls or braids - elastic bands didn't exist close to 2000 years
ago... One of the loops has a little metal ring around it so
perhaps something decorative was once attached. The rings measure
about 1 1/4 inches across. $230.US/pair.
AN438. These 40 unusual and interesting Roman ancient
glass gaming tokens would be perfect for a jeweller, to set into
earrings (there are some that match nicely), pendants or rings...
working with an ancient treasure creates one of a kind pieces
with a story to tell that is 2000 years old. The pieces have been
gone through by an authority in the field and some of the images have
been exactly identified and some have thoughts of what they might
represent. Some of the glass pieces have clear images (a metal
die would have been pressed into the molten glass to form the image)
and others are worn to some extent, or simply unclear. They are
all fascinating though and all would work well in jewellery. To
size them - - the envelopes that they are lying on (with identification
written on them) are 2 inches square. These can be references in
books on ancient glass in museum or reference libraries.
$600.US./40 tokens (sold)
AN439. This strand of ancient glass beads from
Afghanistan encompasses some of my favourite colours. The shades
of blue have a tinge of green to them reminding me of certain flowers
or the colours of the ocean. Because the beads are old and worn,
and perhaps buried for many years, the little dips, crevasses and
airholes have been darkened by earth or oils. I love the texture
that is created. The dark green bead (you can see some of it in
the preview photo to the left) is stone and has been carved with
slashes of lines on one side. The glass beads are very individual
in shapes and sizes to create a one-of-a-kind strand. This is
slightly over 18 inches long so perfect for a necklace and if there was
a little silver or gold contrasting with the blue, that would be even
better!!! $300.US.
AN440. This is a very unusual piece and to verify exactly
what it is I visited the ancient coin curator at a national museum.
His opinion was the same as a well reputed dealer in ancient
coinage. This piece was a mystery to me at first. I found
this in a market in Mexico City so it travelled in an interesting
direction. I bought it because it was obviously very beautiful,
obviously hand struck and not cast, and good silver - very attractive
to look at and obviously having a history to it as it has been lightly
worn. This is a "copy" of a coin in a sense - but it is not cast,
and a mold was not made of a coin to copy. Instead a piece of
metal was carved into the designs on each side of this coin and it was
struck in the same way as ancient coins were struck. That process
leaves wonderful cracks around the sides of the coin. The
original series of coins are tetradrachms from Sicily, Gela - struck
circa 480BC. This coin has the same imagery re-interpreted by the
artist carving it but was made in the late 1700s or early 1800s most
likely for a historic show about the coinage.
AN441. This is a wonderful coin, a silver coin from
Tyrol, Austria struck in 1610 and turned into a "box thaler". The
thaler portrays Emperor Rudolph II near the end of his reign. He
lived from July 18 1552 to Jan. 20 1612. He had been the King of
Hungary and Bohemia, the Archduke of Austria and the Holy Roman
Emperor. He was the eldest son and successor of Maximilian II,
and his mother was Maria of Spain, a daughter of Charles V and Isabella
of Portugal. On the obverse is a wreathed and armoured bust right
with large collar and ornate decorations - wearing the Order of the
Golden Fleece. The translation of the writing says "Rudolf II, by
the grace of God, Emperor of the Romans, Ever Augustus, King of
Germany, Hungary and Bohemia" (using short forms)
AN300. 15 inch
long strand of ancient stone beads from Thailand - first dated from
3400BC
and being made until about the 11th century AD.
$430.US.
AN301. 9 inch long
strand of ancient stone beads from Thailand - known to be made from
very
early times until about the 11th century AD.
$275.US.
AN/EA698. 11 1/2
inches of ancient beads from Iran. The largest central bead
is 1 3/4
inches long. $325.US.
AN/EA709. Item
#1 is an ancient agate bead with hole going through and remains of
ancient
patterns. $155.US. There are also three ancient
gaming pieces
- tall domes with flat bottoms made of agate - very charming and
sculptural...
#2 - 7/8 inches tall and 1 1/8 inch across -
$135.US. #3 - 7/8
inch tall and 1 inch across with dot in the middle of the flat bottom -
$125.US. #4 - 7/8 inch tall and 7/8 inch across -
$115.US. They are fascinating to look into and to hold
against a light. They look very good in a
display case.
AN190. These are
tiny silver coins, all less than 1/2 inch across. You can see
the images
better in real life than on the scans. All of the coins that
I sell
were holed in their own times, generally to be used in ancient
jewellery...
Most of this selection is Greek and the artistry of the designers shows
well
in the coins. #1 is from Macedon, Eion. It is a
silver Trihemiobol
c. 480BC. On one side it has a goose with its head turned
back and
a lizard laid above it. On the back is an incuse
square. $40.US.
#2 is Hellenistic from the Carian Islands of Rhodes. It is a
hemidrachm dating from 408-394BC. One one side it has the
radiate head of Helios and on the other side, a rose. The
head of Helios lies on its side because
of where the stringing hole is, and is very easy to see in real life -
though
confusing on the scan. $75.US. (sold)
#3 is from Macedonia, Neapolis. It is a hemidrachm dating
from 411-348BC. On one side is a Gorgon head facing forward,
and on the reverse is the laureate
head of Artemis. $75.US. Coins
#4 through #8 are
from Thasos, and many used to be used strung together to make necklaces
in
ancient times. They were about partying and about
drinking. The
coins date from about 411-350BC and each show a Satyr kneeling and
holding
Kantharos which is a two handles drinking cup. The reverse
shows an
Amphora which would be filled with wine. The prices
are: #4 -
$65.US, #5 - $65.US (sold),
#6 - $50.US,
#7 - $40.US, #8 - $30.US (sold).
(#6 is the only coin available here)
AN199. These four
coins come from the East and are all over 1000 years old. The
first
3 have holes in them, but the fourth one doesn't. It would be
quite
beautiful suspended in silver though and used as a pendant.
All of
the coins come with full descriptions.
#1. is a silver
dirham citing Amin as heir. It is about Abbasid Caliphate
Harum al
Rashid of "one thousand and one night"s fame.
AH183. $32.US.
#2. is a silver dirham from the days of Abbesid Caliphate, Medinat es
Salaam
from 908-932AD. $15.US. #3 is a
silver dirham from
Abbesid Caliphate, Medinat es Salaam from 908-932AD.
$15.US.
#4 (unholed) is a silver dirham of Modinat Samarkand "Al-Mashriq" the
East
"Dhu-al-Riasatayn" al-Mamun 194-218AH. $45.US. (#4
is the only coin available from this group)
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Asia
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trade beads
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