Lot 502: ANTONINUS PIUS, 138-161 AD. Æ As. 
AUCTION: Pegasi Numismatics - Auction XXXI (Auction 312)
- Starting Bid: $495
- 0 Bid(s)
ANTONINUS PIUS, 138-161 AD. Æ As (13.67 gm). Laureate head / Mars alighting near Rhea Silvia. RIC.614a. VF, dark green patina, some smoothing. Rare foundation of Rome reference. Rhea Silvia is the mother of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome. When the twins were born, she claimed Mars to be the father. Her younger brother, Amulius, had previously killed their older brother and seized the throne from their father. He had retired her to the Vestal Virgins to prevent her bearing a possible heir to the throne. When he learned of the twin babies, he did not believe Rhea’s story and he ordered the twins killed. However a servant sent the boys adrift on the Tiber rather than kill them. The twins were rescued by a wolf who suckled them until they were rescued. Later Romulus and Remus overthrew their uncle and reinstated their grandfather on the throne. Ultimately, the twins founded Rome.
- Offered By: Pegasi Numismatics
- Lot #: 502
- Listing #: 180772
- Closed: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 6:23:30 PM CT
- Estimate: $1,000