Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 460 29 Jan 2020
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Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ As (26mm, 12.64 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 143-144. Laureate and draped bust right / Sow right under holm oak suckling four young; to right, one (or two) more. RIC III 733. Green patina, coppery highlights, some roughness and deposits. Good Fine. Interesting type.
From The Aeneid, Book VIII: "And now, lest you think this sleep's idle fancy, you'll find a huge sow lying on the shore, under the oak trees, that has farrowed a litter of thirty young, a white sow, lying on the ground, with white piglets round her teats, That place shall be your city, there's true rest from your labours. By this in a space of thirty years Ascanius will found the city of Alba, bright name." Hence, this type signifies part of the foundation myth for Rome.
From The Aeneid, Book VIII: "And now, lest you think this sleep's idle fancy, you'll find a huge sow lying on the shore, under the oak trees, that has farrowed a litter of thirty young, a white sow, lying on the ground, with white piglets round her teats, That place shall be your city, there's true rest from your labours. By this in a space of thirty years Ascanius will found the city of Alba, bright name." Hence, this type signifies part of the foundation myth for Rome.