Tessere palmirene=Palmyrene tokens

The group of “Palmyrene tokens” consists of 34 objects of carefully polished terracotta, many of them showing traces of red engobe. The different coloration of the material depends on the minerals contained in the clay. These objects were mass manufactured, by using two-valve moulds, and in most cases decorated by hand on both sides (only one object features one entirely smooth side). Tokens vary in shape, size, iconography, text; in fact, different shapes support various images, although some tend to be recurrent. The front side (recto) usually features the depiction of one or more priests; the back side (verso) bears different figures, including deities, symbols, scenes of offering.