CNG 84, Lot: 1043. Estimate $300. Sold for $555. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ As (27mm, 11.80 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 148-149. Laureate head right / MVNIFICENTIA • AVG, elephant standing left. RIC III 863. VF, dark brown patina.

From the John Bitner Collection. Ex Tony Hardy Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 69, 8 June 2005), lot 1627.

The depiction of an elephant harnessed in armor evokes the image of a benevolent emperor in that he is the giver of spectacles (munera) to the people in the form of such displays of wild beasts. Though Pius held many celebrations, this particular event could allude to the Ludi Saeculares held in AD 148.