Spintria, 1st Century AD, Pedigree
Copper - VF(30-35)
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Sex scene.
"IX", value (?), within a wreath.
This erotic tessera (token), also known as a "Spintria" (plural: spintriae), was produced during the 1st century AD, mainly under the rule of Tiberius, until the end of the century, depicting a sex scene with a number on the reverse. We do not know much about them, although it is generally accepted that they were used in lupanars (brothels) to pay at the entrance, where the number on the reverse could designate a room number. A second hypothesis would be that the number displayed was a value, the tessera paying for a sexual service of the value indicated. A final hypothesis, far from being related to prostitution, suggests that these tesserae were used in public baths. In fact, they could have been used as tokens for clothes racks such as we still have today. The link was made by the presence of representations of sex scenes similar to those on these tesserae on the walls of baths in Pompeii, as well as numbers, like those on the reverse. Our knowledge, which is still incomplete, comes mainly from archaeological excavations in Pompeii and studies of the context in which they were discovered. The tesserae may have been introduced as a result of Tiberius' ban on the emperor's portrait being brought into these brothels. These tesserae could also have been intended to counterbalance this rule by serving as payment intermediaries for those who frequented the brothels. All of this remains open to interpretation, as research to date has been unable to determine the exact purpose of these objects due to a lack of reliable sources. Collection from Dr. Neussel, with notice.
IX
4.35 gr
Copper
Copper might not be classed a precious metal but still falls into group 11 of the periodic table alongside gold and silver. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. Why, you might ask? Whilst there is no doubt that silver and gold are precious, copper is more common. It oxidizes little upon contact with air and both its visual appeal and availability in its natural state are also undeniable aspects.
Furthermore, copper is one of the oldest metals to have been worked by humans. There is evidence of it having been used almost 8,000 years ago.
The melting of copper began in the wind furnaces of the Iranian plateau around 5000 BC.
As is often the case with coins, its first known use was in Greece in a few centuries BC. It was also used for the Chinese cash issued for the first time by the Qin dynasty (221 to 206 BC).
The word copper comes from the Latin cŭprĕum, in other words Cyprus, the main source of the mineral in antiquity. Copper naturally has a reddish-orange color and, to add a touch of polytheism, is traditionally dedicated to the goddess of beauty Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans).
Copper’s patina is generally verdigris.
