Spintria, Brothel Coin No. VI

Roman Spintria No. V

Replica of an ancient brothel and gambling token made of brass bronze or solid 925 silver

This detailed replica of Spintria No. V brings a fascinating piece of Roman everyday culture within reach.

Made according to historical models from gold-coloured brass bronze, as was common in the early imperial period, the piece impresses with its archaeological precision, realistic design and high-quality workmanship.

Alternatively, the Spintria No. V can also be made in solid 925 sterling silver – as an exclusive piece of jewellery that impressively combines history and craftsmanship.

Whether as an authentic prop, collector's item or wearable symbol of Roman sensuality, this custom-made piece combines historical authenticity with timeless elegance.

The front shows an erotic scene characteristic of the original coins from the 1st century AD.

The reverse side bears the Roman numeral V (5) – one of the frequently documented variants within the known series of spintriae.

With a diameter of around 22 mm, the replica corresponds exactly to the dimensions of the ancient originals.

On request, it can also be fitted with a small eyelet – ideal as a pendant or amulet with historical reference.

Spintriae – between play, sensuality and symbolism

The so-called spintriae are among the most enigmatic and fascinating small objects of the early imperial period.

They are round tokens, usually cast from non-ferrous metal, which show erotic depictions on the front and bear a number from I to XVI on the back.

Their exact function has not yet been conclusively clarified, but archaeological and literary references allow for several plausible interpretations:

1. Tokens in brothels:

The most likely explanation is that spintriae served as tokens in brothels.

Customers could purchase these tokens from the operator and redeem them later in the establishment – a form of payment that deliberately kept imperial coinage and thus the image of the emperor out of a morally questionable context.

This pragmatic and symbolically significant aspect makes the spintriae an exciting testimony to Roman everyday morality and economic organisation.

2. Game or social tokens:

Another interpretation sees them as game tokens, perhaps used in social or erotic games within private households.

Such games, often popular in educated or wealthy circles, combined pleasure, humour and social interaction – an attitude that corresponded to the Roman culture of otium.

Finds, chronology and cultural context

Most known spintriae date from the early 1st century AD, particularly from the Vesuvian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

After the middle of the century, they disappear almost completely from the archaeological record – a change that is likely to be related to the moral reforms of the Flavian period or a change in social customs.

Original specimens can now be found in important collections, such as the British Museum (London), the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli.

Their artistic execution, iconographic diversity and technical quality testify to the high standard of Roman miniature art and casting technology of that era.

An authentic piece of Roman culture and craftsmanship

The Spintria No. V brings to life a particularly fascinating chapter of Roman culture: the connection between art, eroticism and everyday life.

This replica represents the openness, wit and craftsmanship of a civilisation that knew how to combine the sensual and the symbolic in equal measure.

Whether as a collector's item, display object, archaeological replica or finely crafted silver jewellery, the Spintria No. V is an authentic, living piece of Roman history that brings the past to life.