Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 77 26 Nov 2020
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Italian States, Venezia (Venice, Republic) PB Theriac Capsule Seal. Circa 17th century. Produced by the Struzzo d'Oro pharmacy. THERIACA FINA AL STRUZZO DORO V, ostrich standing left, with small serpent in beak; in left field, the lion of St. Mark / Blank. For similar, cf. U. Klein. "Von Paradies zu Paradies: Theriak und Theriak-Kapseln," SM 218 (June 2005), pp. 35-42; cf. Roma E-Live 3, 1100; cf. CNG e414, lot 738. 6.22g, 24mm.
Very Fine; pierced.
From a private UK collection.
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; pierced.
From a private UK collection.
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.