3rd century BC-2nd century AD. A mixed group of twenty ceramic tokens or seals of a variety of designs, colours and sizes; partial fingerprints visible in the clay; motifs including busts of emperors (Marcus Aurelius) and empresses (Faustina Minor), facing busts and possible mythological figures of gods. See D’Onofrio A.M., 'Tallies, Tokens & Counters from the Mediterranean to India' in Proceedings of the Meeting Held at the Università degli Studi di Napoli 'Orientale' Naples 31st ?ay 2004, ?aples 2007, pp. 85-103.41 grams total, 15-24mm (1/2 -1"). From a Dutch private collection; formerly in a European collection, acquired before 1980. The tokens (???????, tesserae) are a particular category of ancient artefacts. They are tiles with various shapes, made almost exclusively of clay, bearing embossed designs on both sides. Scholars have expressed the opinion that these objects played an important part in religious festivals or public spectacles, since they were used to access ceremonial meals or in distributions following certain sacrifices. [20, No Reserve]