Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 46 5 Jun 2018
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Italy. Venice PB Theriac Capsule Seal. Circa 17th century. Produced by the 'Black Eagle' pharmacy. TERIACA F ALL AQVILA NERA VEN, eagle facing, wings outspread; lion of St. Mark in left and right fields / Blank. For similar, cf. U. Klein. "Von Paradies zu Paradies: Theriak und Theriak-Kapseln," SM 218 (June 2005), pp. 35-42; cf. CNG e385, lot 736 corr. (legend). 9.33g, 24mm.
Very Fine.
Theriac, described by Klein as a 'wonder drug', was an all purpose medicinal product originating as far back as the Hellenistic period. The centre for sale of this product was Venice, from where it was exported all over the world. Its composition, made up of opium, spices and snake flesh, amongst other ingredients, was a closely guarded secret, making it all the more desirable. The capsule seals, made exclusively of lead or lead alloy, indicated to the buyer, with the stamp of the pharmacy, the authentic nature of the product and to prevent inferior imitations.
Very Fine.
Theriac, described by Klein as a 'wonder drug', was an all purpose medicinal product originating as far back as the Hellenistic period. The centre for sale of this product was Venice, from where it was exported all over the world. Its composition, made up of opium, spices and snake flesh, amongst other ingredients, was a closely guarded secret, making it all the more desirable. The capsule seals, made exclusively of lead or lead alloy, indicated to the buyer, with the stamp of the pharmacy, the authentic nature of the product and to prevent inferior imitations.