Roman Empire, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A lot of three gaming counters in exemplary condition in colors of bright green, baby blue, and black. The game-pieces are smooth to the touch with a flattened rounded button presentation. Most games of chance, with the exception of wagers on physical sports, were strictly forbidden by Roman law and were punishable with a fine fixed at four times the value of any stakes. Nevertheless, scholars suggest that most “caponulae” and “popinae” (inns and eating houses) encouraged clandestine gaming in their back premises. The hemispherical counters are presented on a matte paper backing. Size: 4" L x 7" W (10.2 cm x 17.8 cm)

These were known to Pliny the Elder, the author of 'Naturalis Historia' - the editorial model for the world's first encyclopedias - as 'oculi', or eyeballs, due to their rounded appearance as a consequence of being melted. They were made by slicing small sections of canes (around 5 to 10 mm thick), arranging them on a surface such as a terracotta tile and reheating them in a furnace until they deformed under the influence of gravity, resulting in a flattened, rounded 'button' shape. The underside may have needed grinding to remove any particles of clay that may have stuck to it.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private United Kingdom collection, acquired 1980s

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#163789

Light earthen deposits scattered on glass counters. Counters bound by adhesive to paper-backing. Minor signs of aging to paper-backing, including softened corners. Otherwise, excellent condition.