Ancient Roman Bone Dice (No reserve price)
08
days
21
hours
39
minutes
03
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 139016 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Three bone Roman gaming dice from the Ancient Roman culture, dating to c.100–300 AD and originating from the United Kingdom with provenance to a private collection and acquired in 2025, with dimensions approx. 12×10×11 mm and 14×15×15 mm, in good condition with natural patina.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A pair of beautifully preserved Roman bone gaming dice, hand made almost 2,000 years ago and in completely unrestored natural condition.
This dice exhibit the classic irregularities of ancient bone craftsmanship: natural pitting, slight asymmetry, and a rich, darkened patina formed over nearly two millennia. The patches of darker coloration suggests long burial and mineral absorption, producing strong visual character.
Roman dice were everyday objects used in taverns, homes, military camps, and even placed in graves as personal possessions to accompany their owners into the afterlife.
The slight variation of sizes suggest a set used for multiple games, reflecting authentic use rather than decorative production.
Examples recorded by the Museum of London show identical carving techniques, pitting, and wear patterns, reinforcing the authenticity of this piece.
Comparable Recorded Specimens:
London Museum Collection: Roman bone dice excavated across the City of London, 1st–4th century AD, showing similar size ranges and wear patterns.
Museum of London Archaeology Reports: Dice sets documented in both graves and household contexts, often accompanying other gaming counters or personal items.
Specimen Details:
Period: Roman Empire, 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bone (likely animal bone)
Dimensions: approx. 12 × 10 x 11 mm and 14 × 15 × 15 mm
Condition: Unrestored; faint traces of wear consistent with extensive use; natural patina intact
Provenance: Excavated before 1990 in Britain, Likely London or surrounding areas. Acquired from a A.A, collector of antiquities, S. England.
Shipped safely and fully insured worldwide from the UK.
A pair of beautifully preserved Roman bone gaming dice, hand made almost 2,000 years ago and in completely unrestored natural condition.
This dice exhibit the classic irregularities of ancient bone craftsmanship: natural pitting, slight asymmetry, and a rich, darkened patina formed over nearly two millennia. The patches of darker coloration suggests long burial and mineral absorption, producing strong visual character.
Roman dice were everyday objects used in taverns, homes, military camps, and even placed in graves as personal possessions to accompany their owners into the afterlife.
The slight variation of sizes suggest a set used for multiple games, reflecting authentic use rather than decorative production.
Examples recorded by the Museum of London show identical carving techniques, pitting, and wear patterns, reinforcing the authenticity of this piece.
Comparable Recorded Specimens:
London Museum Collection: Roman bone dice excavated across the City of London, 1st–4th century AD, showing similar size ranges and wear patterns.
Museum of London Archaeology Reports: Dice sets documented in both graves and household contexts, often accompanying other gaming counters or personal items.
Specimen Details:
Period: Roman Empire, 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bone (likely animal bone)
Dimensions: approx. 12 × 10 x 11 mm and 14 × 15 × 15 mm
Condition: Unrestored; faint traces of wear consistent with extensive use; natural patina intact
Provenance: Excavated before 1990 in Britain, Likely London or surrounding areas. Acquired from a A.A, collector of antiquities, S. England.
Shipped safely and fully insured worldwide from the UK.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Roman
Number of objects
3
Century/timeframe
c.100 - 300 AD
Material
Bone
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1991
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Previous owner - country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
