Lot 819
Antoninus Pius. Æ As (8.66 g), AD 138-161. Rome, ca. AD 141-143. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right. Reverse: Two oval shields with rounded projections above and below. RIC 736a. Green patina, some minor smoothing in fields. Very Fine. Estimated Value $200 - UP
The ancilia were the sacred shields of Mars and were associated with the Sali, a college of priests whose ceremonies signled the begining and ending of a military campaign season. Founded by Rome's second king, Numa Pompilius, the Sali were so-called because one aspect of their ritual involved leaping (salire). Beginning in March they would process throughout the city with the ancilia. At the end of the month, these shields would be cleansed and stored away. In October, the same ritual was performed to mark the end of the season.
Ex CNG 211, lot 382.
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| Realized $216 |
