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Roman bone roundel, 2nd - 3rd century AD
Reference No: RM409
Roman bone roundel, 2nd - 3rd century AD
Price : $ 250
EUR 235.00 GBP 200.70 AUD 389.08
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of domed circular form, polished, with three incised circles.

Under Roman Law, games of chance played for money were forbidden under the penalty of a fine fixed at four times the value of the stakes.   Gambling chips, therefore would have replaced actual money.  These chips, called roundels, are generally made of bone and carrying numerical markings on one side. The most common markings are X, V and I, with only a small proportion marked with other numbers such as II, III, VIII, IX, or other numbers up to 18.

Condition:  Intact and in very good condition overall with chip to one side.

Dimensions:  Diameter:  3.3cm (1.3in)

Provenance:  Private Washington, DC collection acquired early 1960s