A dealer friend of mine contacted me recently about a handful of lead tokens. I ended up cataloging them for $5/each and first dibs on the others. While this was actually my fourth pick out of the four I did end up buying, it has rapidly become my favorite. A high grade specimen, with a fascinating artistic type and interesting historical ties. What more could one want? ROME. 1st-3rd century AD. PB Tessera (13mm, 3.30 g, 12 h) Facing head of Medusa Bestiarius standing facing, holding net and spear Rostowzew 589 = Kircheriano 1167 The Roman bestiarii were arena fighters who fought against animals while wielding the spear and net. While professional schools for this role eventually developed, most animal fighters were condemned prisoners who barely survived a single match. They should be distinguished from the traditional gladiatiores, who fought only other men. It was in the role of bestiarius that Commodus won his arena fame and Herculean title.
Oh, I paid about $120 for this. I was paid $5 to catalog them. $120 was just the right price - not too high, not too low.
Arda, its an interesting piece. Why is it square ??? i did not know the Romans of that era had square coins.
