Well, its finally happening. I'm stumbling off into antiquities. The first two pieces are seal stones, they would have been inset into rings or amulets and used much like signatures are used today. The last piece is different, its a glass cameo. I'm convinced, due to the diademed bust and the similarity to his numismatic portraits, that it depicts the Baktrian king Euthydemos II. (Compare with this coin: http://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=129643) Sassanian Carnelian seal stone c. 6th century AD Draped male bust r., Pahlavi legend around Göbl type 7a Late Achaemenid Carnelian seal stone c. 350-250 BC Winged, man-headed horse seated l., Aramaic (?) legend below Baktrian Red glass cameo c. 185-180 BC Diademed, draped bust of Euthydemos II For bust, cf. Bopearachchi Série 1
That's some really nice stuff there. I personally don't have the time, interest, or resources to pursue objects like that, but I certainly appreciate them when I get to see them. I enjoy going to the local museum and looking at things like that.
Resources? You make it seem like I'm just rolling in money and looking for something new to spend it on. :kewl: If only! Lol! Actually, these three cost me only $100. If I'd have haggled more, it would have been a lot less. (I forgot to take into account how Middle Eastern sellers looooove to haggle.) Sassanian seals aren't nearly as popular or expensive as their Roman counterparts. They also aren't as widely published, unfortunately. As to the references, THOSE are very expensive. But I've got the whole inter-library loan service at my command. hya:
Very nice... I especially like the first one. Are these considered highly collectible? How much do they cost on average? Edit: Oops, just read you other post... ignore my second question.
