Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 87 29 Jul 2021
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Antoninus Pius Æ As. Rome, AD 148-149. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head to right / MVNIFICENTIA AVG, armoured elephant walking to left; COS IIII SC in two lines in exergue. RIC III 863; C. 564; BMCRE 1840 var. (elephant right). 10.70g, 28mm, 12h.
Near Very Fine. Very Rare.
From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
Though seeming perhaps odd to us to use the image of an armoured elephant as emblematic of the generosity of the emperor, to the ancient Romans this depiction would have presented Antoninus Pius as a benevolent emperor, and reminded them of the displays of wild beasts he arranged for their delight. Being struck in AD 148 it is possible that this coin specifically references the Ludi Saeculares of that year.
Near Very Fine. Very Rare.
From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
Though seeming perhaps odd to us to use the image of an armoured elephant as emblematic of the generosity of the emperor, to the ancient Romans this depiction would have presented Antoninus Pius as a benevolent emperor, and reminded them of the displays of wild beasts he arranged for their delight. Being struck in AD 148 it is possible that this coin specifically references the Ludi Saeculares of that year.