Graeco-Roman Figural Lead Sealing with Greek Legend 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. A lead vesica-shaped seal with enigmatic Greek inscription to reverse '..???????..????..'; a head(?) on the obverse. Cf. Heijnen, S., 'Athens and the Anchoring of Roman Rule in the 1st century A.D.' in De Gruyter, Journal of Ancient History, 2018; 6 (1), pp.80-110, fig.4. 4.16 grams, 17 mm (5/8 in.). Acquired 1979-1999. Private collection of the late Mr S.M., Mayfair, London, UK. These seals were used for messages or to seal a commercial product and documents being transported throughout the empire. Considering the Greek inscription, it is most probable that the seal came from the Eastern Provinces of the empire. The style recalls the token issued by the city of Athens with the image of the god Apollo in honour of the imperial figure of Augustus. [No Reserve]