Ancient Roman, Empire been/bot Dice (tessera) - Ancient Roman legionary bone gaming dice - 10 mm (No reserve price)
02
days
14
hours
42
minutes
28
seconds
Current bid
€ 30
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 210 - € 250
 | €30 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €27 | |
 | €20 | |
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This intact Ancient Roman Imperial bone gaming die, known as a tessera, dates from the 1st to 3rd century AD and measures 10 × 10 × 10 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This is an Early Roman die, made from animal bone (usually cattle bone) or ivory. In Latin, such a six-sided die was called a tessera.
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 mm
Weight: 2.05 grams
Condition: intact – in reality it is slightly nicer than in the photograph; due to the small size it is difficult to render the die perfectly.
Dating: These dice generally date from the 1st to the 3rd century AD (the Roman imperial era).
Design: The pips on the faces are not mere dots but are incised with a special drill as concentric circles with a dot in the center (the so-called ring-and-dot motif). This was the standard method in antiquity for marking dice.
Patina: The dark brown, speckled colour is the result of centuries of burial in soil and the natural aging of the organic material.
Use: The Romans were avid gamblers and players. Although gambling outside the Saturnalia festival was officially forbidden or socially frowned upon, in taverns, military camps, and on the street such stones were widely used for various board and gambling games.
Shipping method: this lot will be shipped in excellent packaging via DHL or UPS using Catawiki’s Smart Shipping service.
This is an Early Roman die, made from animal bone (usually cattle bone) or ivory. In Latin, such a six-sided die was called a tessera.
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 mm
Weight: 2.05 grams
Condition: intact – in reality it is slightly nicer than in the photograph; due to the small size it is difficult to render the die perfectly.
Dating: These dice generally date from the 1st to the 3rd century AD (the Roman imperial era).
Design: The pips on the faces are not mere dots but are incised with a special drill as concentric circles with a dot in the center (the so-called ring-and-dot motif). This was the standard method in antiquity for marking dice.
Patina: The dark brown, speckled colour is the result of centuries of burial in soil and the natural aging of the organic material.
Use: The Romans were avid gamblers and players. Although gambling outside the Saturnalia festival was officially forbidden or socially frowned upon, in taverns, military camps, and on the street such stones were widely used for various board and gambling games.
Shipping method: this lot will be shipped in excellent packaging via DHL or UPS using Catawiki’s Smart Shipping service.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
1e t/m 3e eeuw
Name of object
Dice (tessera) - Ancient Roman legionary bone gaming dice
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
been/bot
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
10 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
10 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
10 mm
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.
