Certified Artifact Hellenistic Terracotta Tessera with Tyche-Fortuna 300BC For Sale

Authenticity Notice

This artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance.

Details

• Object: Clay Tessera / Token / Bulla

• Culture: Hellenistic (Seleukid Influence)

• Date: Circa 300–100 BC

• Material: Terracotta (Fired Clay)

• Form: Small discoid token with a high-relief stamped impression

• Size: 11mm

• Region: Near East / Levant

Iconographic Analysis: Tyche and the Cornucopia

This 11mm terracotta tessera (referenced in file 11_3.jpg) features a detailed classical figure central to Hellenistic civic identity.

• The Figure: The impression depicts a standing female deity, identified as Tyche (the Roman Fortuna).

• The Stance: She is shown in a classical contrapposto stance, draped in a heavy chiton and himation.

• The Attributes: She holds a large Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) in her left arm, symbolizing the prosperity and abundance of the city.

• The Reverse: The back of the token shows linear "string marks" or fabric impressions, indicating use as a bulla or administrative sealing.

Overview and Historical Context

In the Hellenistic world, terracotta tesserae were indispensable for urban administration. Tyche was the "City-Soul," and major Hellenistic centers utilized her image on tokens to serve as proof of identity, permits for state-distributed goods, or admission to civic events. An 11mm piece with such a clear, regal figure suggests an official administrative origin, likely used within a major provincial capital or temple complex.

Authenticity Check

• Surface Patina: The clay displays a stable, aged "chocolate" to "ochre" hue with localized earthen calcification settled into the recesses.

• Material Aging: There is microscopic surface "crazing" and characteristic chipping on the edges consistent with ancient fired terracotta.

• The Impression: The strike exhibits the "softened" edges characteristic of an ancient bronze seal-matrix rather than a modern reproduction.

Comparable Examples

1. The British Museum, London: Collection of Hellenistic clay sealings and tokens.

2. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem: Hellenistic-era tokens and tesserae featuring Tyche-Fortuna.

3. The Met, New York: Accession No. 81.6.216 (Hellenistic terracotta tokens and sealings).

Further Reading

1. Meshorer, Ya'akov – City-Coins of Eretz-Israel and the Decapolis: Regarding the iconography of Tyche in the Hellenistic Levant.

Condition

Excellent archaeological condition. The terracotta is structurally sound and fired hard. The central figure of Tyche is remarkably well-preserved and remains highly legible under a natural, museum-grade patina.