051
Roman sheet / foil mouth-piece or diadem with the stamp of Cornelia Supera antoninianus
1/11
Passed
El Campello , Alicante
Beschreibung
ITEM: Sheet / Foil mouth-piece or diadem with the stamp of Cornelia Supera antoninianus
MATERIAL: Gold
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 253 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 83 mm x 45 mm, 1,6 gr
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes a certificate of search in the stolen works of art of Interpol database
PROVENANCE: Bought at an antiques fair in Netherlands, 2024, Ex German private collection, acquired before 1990s
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
This object has been verified in the the stolen works of art of Interpol database and is accompanied by a search certificate by us.
A gold foil mouthpiece or gold diadem from the Roman period was a luxurious funerary or ceremonial object, often placed on the deceased as part of burial rites. These thin sheets of gold were sometimes shaped to cover the mouth, eyes, or forehead, symbolizing the status and dignity of the individual in the afterlife. The tradition of using gold in burial practices had roots in Greek, Etruscan, and Eastern traditions, which the Romans adopted and adapted. Gold diadems, in particular, were associated with elite individuals, possibly members of the aristocracy or priestly class, serving as a marker of their high status both in life and in death.
The designs of these gold objects varied depending on region and purpose. Some gold mouthpieces were simple, thin sheets of metal, while others bore engraved inscriptions, symbols, or decorative motifs. In some cases, they were inscribed with magical or religious texts, believed to provide protection or guidance in the afterlife. Gold diadems, on the other hand, were often more elaborate, featuring embossed patterns, floral designs, or depictions of gods and mythological figures. Some examples have been found in Roman tombs, particularly in areas influenced by Greek and Eastern burial customs, such as Egypt, the Balkans, and the eastern provinces of the empire.
These gold objects reflect both personal wealth and cultural beliefs about the afterlife. The use of gold, a metal associated with immortality and divinity, suggests a belief in the continuation of existence beyond death. Similar practices can be seen in Greek Orphic burials, where gold tablets inscribed with mystical texts were placed with the deceased.
Cornelia Supera was a little-known Roman empress, the wife of Emperor Aemilian, who ruled for a brief period in 253 CE. Very little historical information survives about her, and she is primarily known through her coinage, which provides the main evidence of her existence. Her coins bear the inscription ""Cornelia Supera Augusta"", confirming her status as Augusta (empress) during her husband's short reign. Since Aemilian ruled for only a few months before being killed by his own troops, Cornelia Supera likely held the title for an equally short period, and there are no records of her fate after his death.
Her coinage, minted in places such as Rome and Moesia, followed the traditional style of Roman imperial portraits, depicting her with a diademed bust and wearing a palla or draped clothing, symbolizing her position as empress. Some of her coins feature goddesses like Juno, Venus, and Concordia, which were common symbols of stability, unity, and femininity in Roman numismatics. The presence of these deities suggests that even in a chaotic period, efforts were made to legitimize Aemilian’s rule through the image of a strong imperial family, despite the instability of the empire at the time.
Cornelia Supera’s brief role as empress coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Roman history, known as the Crisis of the Third Century. This era was marked by frequent usurpations, military revolts, and economic struggles, leading to short-lived reigns of many emperors. Aemilian himself came to power by defeating Emperor Trebonianus Gallus but was quickly overthrown and killed by his own soldiers when faced with opposition from Valerian. With no records mentioning Cornelia Supera after Aemilian’s fall, it is unclear whether she was executed, exiled, or simply faded into obscurity. Today, her coins remain the primary source of evidence for her existence and role in Roman history.
Her coins and everything to do with her are extremely rare. Her name and monuments were condemned after Valerian was acclaimed emperor in October 253.
Auktionsdetails
Versand
AGB & Wichtige Informationen
ITEM: Sheet / Foil mouth-piece or diadem with the stamp of Cornelia Supera antoninianus
MATERIAL: Gold
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 253 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 83 mm x 45 mm, 1,6 gr
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes a certificate of search in the stolen works of art of Interpol database
PROVENANCE: Bought at an antiques fair in Netherlands, 2024, Ex German private collection, acquired before 1990s
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
This object has been verified in the the stolen works of art of Interpol database and is accompanied by a search certificate by us.
A gold foil mouthpiece or gold diadem from the Roman period was a luxurious funerary or ceremonial object, often placed on the deceased as part of burial rites. These thin sheets of gold were sometimes shaped to cover the mouth, eyes, or forehead, symbolizing the status and dignity of the individual in the afterlife. The tradition of using gold in burial practices had roots in Greek, Etruscan, and Eastern traditions, which the Romans adopted and adapted. Gold diadems, in particular, were associated with elite individuals, possibly members of the aristocracy or priestly class, serving as a marker of their high status both in life and in death.
The designs of these gold objects varied depending on region and purpose. Some gold mouthpieces were simple, thin sheets of metal, while others bore engraved inscriptions, symbols, or decorative motifs. In some cases, they were inscribed with magical or religious texts, believed to provide protection or guidance in the afterlife. Gold diadems, on the other hand, were often more elaborate, featuring embossed patterns, floral designs, or depictions of gods and mythological figures. Some examples have been found in Roman tombs, particularly in areas influenced by Greek and Eastern burial customs, such as Egypt, the Balkans, and the eastern provinces of the empire.
These gold objects reflect both personal wealth and cultural beliefs about the afterlife. The use of gold, a metal associated with immortality and divinity, suggests a belief in the continuation of existence beyond death. Similar practices can be seen in Greek Orphic burials, where gold tablets inscribed with mystical texts were placed with the deceased.
Cornelia Supera was a little-known Roman empress, the wife of Emperor Aemilian, who ruled for a brief period in 253 CE. Very little historical information survives about her, and she is primarily known through her coinage, which provides the main evidence of her existence. Her coins bear the inscription ""Cornelia Supera Augusta"", confirming her status as Augusta (empress) during her husband's short reign. Since Aemilian ruled for only a few months before being killed by his own troops, Cornelia Supera likely held the title for an equally short period, and there are no records of her fate after his death.
Her coinage, minted in places such as Rome and Moesia, followed the traditional style of Roman imperial portraits, depicting her with a diademed bust and wearing a palla or draped clothing, symbolizing her position as empress. Some of her coins feature goddesses like Juno, Venus, and Concordia, which were common symbols of stability, unity, and femininity in Roman numismatics. The presence of these deities suggests that even in a chaotic period, efforts were made to legitimize Aemilian’s rule through the image of a strong imperial family, despite the instability of the empire at the time.
Cornelia Supera’s brief role as empress coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Roman history, known as the Crisis of the Third Century. This era was marked by frequent usurpations, military revolts, and economic struggles, leading to short-lived reigns of many emperors. Aemilian himself came to power by defeating Emperor Trebonianus Gallus but was quickly overthrown and killed by his own soldiers when faced with opposition from Valerian. With no records mentioning Cornelia Supera after Aemilian’s fall, it is unclear whether she was executed, exiled, or simply faded into obscurity. Today, her coins remain the primary source of evidence for her existence and role in Roman history.
Her coins and everything to do with her are extremely rare. Her name and monuments were condemned after Valerian was acclaimed emperor in October 253.
Auction 6 of Ancient Art
Auktionsdatum
Ort der Versteigerung
Apartado de Correos 521
El Campello
Alicante
03560
Spain
3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.
3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.
3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.
8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.
8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.
8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.
8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
Wichtige Informationen
Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.
AGB
1. All ancient items offered for sale have been acquired strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO’s heritage norms, and guaranteed to be as described.
2. Our cataloguings, descriptions and certificates has been carried in accordance with their professional experience, previous investigation and checking against similar pieces catalogued in public collections, private collections or to be found in the art market.
3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.
3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.
3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
4. The bidder guarantees payment for the item(s). In case of discrepancy, the lot or lots may be offered for sale again.
5. All lots will sell to the highest bidder without hidden or confidential reserves. Prices marked as estimates (both minimum and maximum) are for reference only. The hammer price may be higher or lower depending on the demand.
6. PAYMENT POLICY: To provide a seamless bidder checkout, all winning lots will be invoiced through the system the bidder has chosen for the live auction, unless bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. If bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly, bidder must contact us to arrange payment. Payments not made within 15 days of auction’s end will forfeit bidder’s right to purchase said item(s), with item(s) relisted to next appropriate auction.
6.1 If the customer wishes to pay through our website, we will generate a payment link and the customer can choose the payment method that is most suitable, payment by Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express), Bank Transfer or PayPal. Payment with PayPal is subject to an increase of 3% of the invoice.
7. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A 8% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.
8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.
8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.
8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.
8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
9. RETURN POLICY: We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. We accept returns for any reason within 90 days of you receiving your item. The item(s) must returned in the same conditions in which the received (no damage or deterioration). The expenses that could derive from the return (transport, insurance, etc) will be at the expense of the buyer.
10. On the prevention of money laundering or terrorist financing, according with directive (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843, all clients will be asked to provide proof of identification (valid passport, driving license, ID card and a proof of address) when purchasing or selling art works valued 10.000 € or more in a single or linked transaction. If you represent a company you will need to provide details of directors, evidence of incorporation and the ultimate beneficial owners.
11. QUESTIONS: For any questions, before / during and after the auction, feel free to email us: admin@yourantiquarian.com or a Whatsapp to the number +34 644811359. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.
Last update: September 28th, 2024
