Roman Lead Weight with Impression of a Coin

Commerce and trade dates from the very dawn of civilization. As soon as man grouped himself into societies, he began to conduct business, buying, selling, bartering and trading the luxuries and necessities of life. Weights and measures were developed to establish a standard of quantity and value, and their use has continued uninterrupted until the present day. This fascinating lead weight probably saw service in the markets of Jerusalem at the height of the Roman Empire. As we hold it in our hands today, we cannot help but wonder who held it long ago, and what business it was part of.