Dimension: 20x6 mm

Introduction:
Embark on a historic journey with this ancient Sulemani banded agate bead, a gem that once traversed the Silk Road between 800 and 500 BC. Meticulously crafted, it encapsulates the artistry that thrived in an era of caravans and commerce, offering a window into the multicultural exchanges of ancient times.

Estimate: $550-$800
Reflecting a strong market demand for artifacts of the Silk Road, such exquisite beads can command retail prices starting at $600, showcasing their historical importance and the beauty of their craftsmanship.

Auction Market Analysis:
Artifacts from the Silk Road carry an exotic allure, with an emphasis on pieces like this agate bead that symbolize the intercultural dialogues of ancient commerce. Rare in origin and steeped in history, items from this epoch maintain a firm presence in the auction world, often fetching premium bids from collectors and historians alike.

Collector & Resale Insight:
Over the past decade, artifacts from the Silk Road have experienced an average increase in value of about 130%, signaling a steady and promising market for these historical treasures. The rarity and condition of this bead make it a prime piece for collectors predicting a continued upward trend in value.

Provenance:
Consignor: Tariq Al-Zahid
Year Acquired: 2018
Country of Acquisition: Lebanon
Tariq Al-Zahid, a seasoned collector of Silk Road antiquities, acquired this bead in Lebanon, where ancient and modern trade routes intersect. A soft copy of the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) will accompany this auction lot, verifying its authenticity and providing insight into its value in today's market.

Auctioneer's Comment:
Join us for an engaging auction experience. With a successful bid, you can count on us to ensure a smooth and professional process from start to finish. Your item will be safely shipped through DHL, connecting you to a worldwide network from Asia. DHL's minimum shipping fee of $40 will apply, based on the size and weight of your package. Smart bidders consolidate their wins into one shipment, and with over 1250 lots available, there's ample opportunity to do so. You will receive your invoice within 8 hours after the auction, excluding shipping insurance costs. For added security, we suggest opting for shipping insurance during checkout, as we are not responsible for any damages that occur during shipping without it.

Thousand Planet Auction House
Important Notice: Antique Item Examination & Terms

1. Ownership: Thousand Planet Auction House acts as an intermediary and does not own any auction lots. All lots are property of pawnshops, estate companies, or consigned from various consignors.

2. "As Is" Sale: All lots are sold "as is" without warranties or guarantees, either express or implied. Descriptions are for guidance only and should not be considered comprehensive or definitive. We encourage bidders to perform their own inspections and research.

3. Auction Format: Our auction house employs the Timed Auction format without internet competing bids, and there are no reserve prices set. Each lot beckons with its unique starting price, reflecting our commitment to total transparency. Starts with a minimal opening price, which is typically lower than the actual market selling price. The estimated value range provided (min-max) for each auction lot reflects the approximate retail market value of the item.

4. Photo Inspection: Before bidding, carefully inspect the zoomed-in photos provided. These images aim to detail the item's condition, authenticity, and features, enabling bidders to judge the age themselves.

5. Clarifications: Seek clarity on any doubts about an item's age or authenticity before bidding. Our team is available to provide needed information.

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7. Avoid Misrepresentation: Claims asserting an item's age or authenticity without evidence are invalid. If you cannot discern age from detailed photos, making age-based claims from plain sight is unreasonable.

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12. Payment & Late Fees: Pay winning bids within 3 days of auction end. Delays may cancel your wins and impact future participation.

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Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Terms
1. Basis: COAs are issued based on consignor information, not independent auctioneer verification.
2. No Warranty: The auctioneer provides no warranties about the COA's accuracy, validity, or completeness.
3. Limitation of Liability: The auctioneer isn't liable for any COA errors or omissions. Any damages arising from COA use fall outside our responsibility.
4. Indemnification: Bidders agree to shield the auctioneer from any claims related to the COA or item.
5. Governing Law: These terms are governed by laws of the auctioneer's jurisdiction, not the USA. Disputes will be settled in the auctioneer's local courts.

Acceptance: Bidding indicates agreement to all above terms and conditions across 19 sections