1st century BC-1st century AD. A group of twenty ceramic tokens each with a low-relief image including profile bust, facing bust, advancing elephant and others. 50 grams total, 16-27mm (1/2 - 1"). From a Dutch private collection; formerly in a European collection, acquired before 1980. The term tessera was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term ???????? (token"). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wooden or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens however are not exclusively coin shaped, as the Latin term tessera suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. [20, No Reserve]