Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Classics
Supervisor
Dr. Kelly Olson
Abstract
The objective of this research is to consider together the Roman imperial monetiform tokens of spintriae and tesserae by conducting a die-study of the two, to argue a function for these pieces that relies on evidence from production rather than aesthetics. This die-study has proved significant reverse die links and the simultaneous manufacture of these pieces as products of the officiai Roman mint, created for use as festival gift-tokens. Alongside the numismatic evidence these pieces were placed in their socio-historical context through an examination of their iconography and what it may illustrate about function and viewing context, as well as the use of tokens and counters in Roman society, presenting these pieces together as functioning artifacts of Roman social custom.
Recommended Citation
Murdoch, Carly D., "LASCIVA NOMISMATA: THE FUNCTION OF ‘EROTIC’ AND IMPERIAL ROMAN TESSERAE" (2010). Digitized Theses. 4388.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4388