Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2013 NYINC Sale - Ebert Part II & Sess. C 12 January 2013
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
ROMAN EMPIRE
ANTONINUS PIUS, A.D. 138-161. Bronze Medallion (43.39 gms).
cf.Gnecchi-pl. 52, 1 (obverse portrait); Banti-554; cf.Metcalf ANS-5. As adopted successor to Hadrian, Antoninus Pius (A.D. 138-161) followed his predecessor’s policies of ruling the Empire. Antoninus is credited with the "height of the Pax Romana" and also with celebrating the nine hundredth anniversary of the founding of Rome. These notable achievements underscore the tranquil times during his rule, as no major wars were fought, and the Roman Empire prospered.
The obverse of this medallion shows a laureate bust of Antoninus facing right, with the inscription reading "ANTONINVS. AVG. PIVS. PP. TRP. COS. IIII." In order it reads Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patriae, Tribunician Power, and Consul for the fourth time. The numbering of four is interesting as it shows IIII instead of the standard IV for the number four. The numbering of his offices allows us to attribute approximate dates for this medallion, putting it after A.D. 145.
The reverse is a very interesting icon of Diana, the Roman deity of the hunt, moon, birthing, and women, depicted on a flying griffin. This fascinating image of Diana the goddess of women coupled with the possible dating could pinpoint the reasons behind the creation of this medallion. Antoninus Pius’ daughter Faustina II married Antoninus’ adoptive son and heir Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 145. It is entirely possible that Antoninus commissioned this to celebrate his daughter’s important marriage to the future emperor. Overall the design for this medallion is simple and yet striking. The Emperor’s portrait is skillfully rendered, his expression while not overtly joyful seems pleased and content while the reverse’s lack of legend conveys the sense of the griffin and Diana soaring through the clear night sky.
"ANTONINVS AVG. PI - VS P. P. TR. P. [C]OS. IIII." Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right; Reverse: No legend, Diana Lucifera, holding torch in raised right hand, riding gryphon springing right. Attractive deep chocolate brown patina with lighter shades on the high points, bold portrait of good artistic style and clear legend. Quite nice and VERY RARE. Obverse BOLD VERY FINE; ReverseCHOICE FINE
Estimate: $6000
ANTONINUS PIUS, A.D. 138-161. Bronze Medallion (43.39 gms).
cf.Gnecchi-pl. 52, 1 (obverse portrait); Banti-554; cf.Metcalf ANS-5. As adopted successor to Hadrian, Antoninus Pius (A.D. 138-161) followed his predecessor’s policies of ruling the Empire. Antoninus is credited with the "height of the Pax Romana" and also with celebrating the nine hundredth anniversary of the founding of Rome. These notable achievements underscore the tranquil times during his rule, as no major wars were fought, and the Roman Empire prospered.
The obverse of this medallion shows a laureate bust of Antoninus facing right, with the inscription reading "ANTONINVS. AVG. PIVS. PP. TRP. COS. IIII." In order it reads Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patriae, Tribunician Power, and Consul for the fourth time. The numbering of four is interesting as it shows IIII instead of the standard IV for the number four. The numbering of his offices allows us to attribute approximate dates for this medallion, putting it after A.D. 145.
The reverse is a very interesting icon of Diana, the Roman deity of the hunt, moon, birthing, and women, depicted on a flying griffin. This fascinating image of Diana the goddess of women coupled with the possible dating could pinpoint the reasons behind the creation of this medallion. Antoninus Pius’ daughter Faustina II married Antoninus’ adoptive son and heir Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 145. It is entirely possible that Antoninus commissioned this to celebrate his daughter’s important marriage to the future emperor. Overall the design for this medallion is simple and yet striking. The Emperor’s portrait is skillfully rendered, his expression while not overtly joyful seems pleased and content while the reverse’s lack of legend conveys the sense of the griffin and Diana soaring through the clear night sky.
"ANTONINVS AVG. PI - VS P. P. TR. P. [C]OS. IIII." Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right; Reverse: No legend, Diana Lucifera, holding torch in raised right hand, riding gryphon springing right. Attractive deep chocolate brown patina with lighter shades on the high points, bold portrait of good artistic style and clear legend. Quite nice and VERY RARE. Obverse BOLD VERY FINE; ReverseCHOICE FINE
Estimate: $6000