Roman spintria (brothel coin)

Replica of an ancient brothel or gambling token made of brass bronze

This detailed replica of a Roman spintria offers a fascinating insight into everyday culture in the early imperial period.

Made of gold-coloured brass bronze, it conveys the authentic impression of those rare tokens that uniquely combine art, sensuality and social symbolism.

The front shows an erotic depiction typical of these tokens from the 1st century AD, while the back bears a Roman numeral.

With a diameter of approximately 22 mm, the replica is based exactly on the well-known originals from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other sites of the early Roman Empire.

Historical background

The so-called spintriae are among the most enigmatic small objects of Roman antiquity.

They are small tokens, usually made of non-ferrous metal, with erotic motifs and numbers on the reverse side, which have been interpreted in various ways by researchers.

Most likely, they served as tokens in brothels – a system that allowed for discreet payment without bringing coins bearing the emperor's portrait into this context.

Other approaches see them as game or social tokens, possibly part of erotic games in the homes of the Roman upper class.

The spintriae thus provide a unique insight into the sensual, humorous and at the same time complex world of Roman life.

They show that eroticism in antiquity was not only taboo, but part of an open, artistic and multi-layered culture.

An authentic testimony to Roman life

This replica combines archaeological accuracy, aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship.

It brings a chapter of Roman cultural history to life – a small but significant artefact that makes the diversity and realism of everyday life in the Roman Empire tangible.

Whether as a collector's item, display object, teaching material or finely crafted silver jewellery, the spintria is an authentic, fascinating testimony to ancient joie de vivre and craftsmanship.