Lot 76: ANTONINUS PIUS. 138-161 AD. Æ As. Rome mint. 
AUCTION: Part I: Victor Clark Constantinian Bronze Collection (Auction 228)
- Sold Winning Bid: $86
- 7 Bid(s)
ANTONINUS PIUS. 138-161 AD. Æ As (26mm - 8.48 g). Rome mint. ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right / IMPERATOR II above, ANCILIA below, S-C across fields, Two ancilia - oval shields with rounded projections above and below. RIC III 736a; BMCRE 1629; Cohen 30. Near VF, brown patina, light roughness.
The original ancile was a mythic shield dropped to Earth by the gods during the reign of king Numa. It was kept in the temple of Juno Sospita, along with eleven copies, supposedly to confuse thieves attempting to steal the genuine one. The ancilia figured in the ceremonies of the Salian priesthood, which among other things celebrated peace and the end of military campaigns.
- Offered By: VAuctions
- Lot #: 76
- Listing #: 218574
- Closed: Thursday, May 28, 2009 7:30:00 PM CT
- Estimate: $75