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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2008.116.6
Title
Lead Token
Classification
Tokens
Work Type
token
Date
1-300
Period
Roman period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/146332

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Lead
Technique
Cast
Dimensions
3.51 g, 1.47 cm (9/16 in.)

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
TURS 563

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
2008
Object Number
2008.116.6
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Obverse: representation of a long oval object decorated with five pellets
Reverse: a ring with two strigils hanging down on either side of a container of oil (aryballos)
Commentary
This is a known type [1], the identification and meaning of which is debated: the identification of the obverse image (oval object with five pellets) is not agreed on: it has been identified as a loaf of bread [2] (pertaining to grain distribution) or teets of a sow [3] (satirical comment on patron-client relations?). Clare Rowan has noted that it also has the shape of a shield. The reverse image of strigils and aryballos pertains to Roman bathing.

[1] E.g., Type TURS 563, in Rostovtzeff, M. (1903). Tesserarum urbis romae et suburbi plumbearum sylloge.St. Pétersbourg: Commissionnaires de l'Académie impériale des sciences. See examples of the type in the University of Warwick database, Tokens of the Ancient Mediterranean: https://coins.warwick.ac.uk/token-types/id/TURS563
[2] Scholz, J. (1893). "Römische Bleitesserae," Numismatische Zeitschrift bd. 25. p. 45, no. 457-458, pl III.
[3] Type 764, in Turcan, R. (1987). Nigra Moneta. Sceaux, jetons, tesseres, amulettes, plombs monétaires ou monétiformes, objects divers en plomb ou en etain d'époque romaine conservés au musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Lyon, Diffusion de Boccard.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu