3 x Roman Brothel Tokens (Spintria)

Reproductions cast from original coins

These are 3 different reproductions of the Roman token (spintria), cast from an original with presentations of erotic scenes on one side.

These erotic tokens, originally manufactured in bronze or silver, are called spintriae or Spintrian tesserae by derivative of the Latin word spintria used by Suetonius or Tacitus to qualify the scenes of debauchery during the reign of the emperor Tiberius.

These rare and fascinating tokens are thought to have been used to purchase services in Roman brothels. It may have been considered sacrilegious to take a coin with the image of the Emperor into a house of ill repute and so Spintria were used instead. It is also possible that these silver tokens were used as gaming tokens, stamped with images intended to amuse or excite their owners.

Obverse: X, XI & XV within wreath border

Reverse: Erotic scene

Average diameter: c. 2.4cm; weight: c. 5 g each

Hand cast in pewter