Ancient Roman, Empire Stone Ancient Roman Inscribed Stone Weight / Tessera with “AVG”
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Ancient Roman inscribed stone weight tessera with AVG, dating to the Imperial period (c. 1st–3rd century AD), made of stone, weight 44.5 g, dimensions 48.9 × 48.4 × 9.8 mm, from a private European collection, acquired in 2025 from Germany, condition Good, authenticity Original/official.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Inscribed Stone Weight / Tessera with “AVG”
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Stone
Weight: 44.5 g
Dimensions: 48.9 × 48.4 × 9.8 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A fascinating and highly unusual Ancient Roman stone object of substantial circular form, prominently engraved on one side with the letters AVG.
The inscription is of particular historical interest. AVG represents the well-known Roman abbreviation of AVG(ustus), the imperial title introduced with Augustus and subsequently forming one of the principal titles of the Roman emperors. Abbreviations of this kind occur throughout Roman imperial epigraphy and on a wide range of official, administrative and personal objects.
The purpose of this remarkable piece is particularly intriguing. Its substantial size, weight and carefully shaped stone body suggest that it may have served as a weight, tessera, administrative token or control/ownership marker. Stone weights and marked objects formed part of the practical world of Roman commerce and administration, where inscriptions, symbols and abbreviations could identify standards, authorities or ownership.
Especially noteworthy is the material. Unlike the much more familiar lead tesserae and tokens, this object is fashioned from stone, giving it a distinctive appearance and considerable physical presence. The boldly incised AVG inscription remains clearly visible, while the opposite surface is largely plain. The irregular circumference, surface texture and traces of age give the object a particularly attractive archaeological character.
The connection with AVG(ustus) gives the piece an immediate association with the language of Roman imperial authority. Although the inscription cannot by itself be attributed specifically to the first emperor Augustus, rather than to the later imperial title Augustus, it represents a fascinating survival of the terminology at the very heart of Roman imperial power.
An unusual and highly evocative Roman inscribed object, combining an enigmatic practical function with one of the most recognisable abbreviations of the Roman Empire. A particularly interesting piece for a collection of Roman weights, tesserae, inscribed objects or Imperial-period antiquities.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Inscribed Stone Weight / Tessera with “AVG”
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Stone
Weight: 44.5 g
Dimensions: 48.9 × 48.4 × 9.8 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A fascinating and highly unusual Ancient Roman stone object of substantial circular form, prominently engraved on one side with the letters AVG.
The inscription is of particular historical interest. AVG represents the well-known Roman abbreviation of AVG(ustus), the imperial title introduced with Augustus and subsequently forming one of the principal titles of the Roman emperors. Abbreviations of this kind occur throughout Roman imperial epigraphy and on a wide range of official, administrative and personal objects.
The purpose of this remarkable piece is particularly intriguing. Its substantial size, weight and carefully shaped stone body suggest that it may have served as a weight, tessera, administrative token or control/ownership marker. Stone weights and marked objects formed part of the practical world of Roman commerce and administration, where inscriptions, symbols and abbreviations could identify standards, authorities or ownership.
Especially noteworthy is the material. Unlike the much more familiar lead tesserae and tokens, this object is fashioned from stone, giving it a distinctive appearance and considerable physical presence. The boldly incised AVG inscription remains clearly visible, while the opposite surface is largely plain. The irregular circumference, surface texture and traces of age give the object a particularly attractive archaeological character.
The connection with AVG(ustus) gives the piece an immediate association with the language of Roman imperial authority. Although the inscription cannot by itself be attributed specifically to the first emperor Augustus, rather than to the later imperial title Augustus, it represents a fascinating survival of the terminology at the very heart of Roman imperial power.
An unusual and highly evocative Roman inscribed object, combining an enigmatic practical function with one of the most recognisable abbreviations of the Roman Empire. A particularly interesting piece for a collection of Roman weights, tesserae, inscribed objects or Imperial-period antiquities.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–3rd century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Inscribed Stone Weight / Tessera with “AVG”
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
