CNG 88, Lot: 1338. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ As (27mm, 12.84 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 148-149. Laureate head right / MVNIFICENTIA AVG, elephant advancing right. RIC III 862a. Good VF, brown patina, some green.

Ex Frank L. Kovacs Collection.

The depiction of an elephant harnessed in armor evokes the image of a benevolent emperor who 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 may allude to the Ludi Saeculares held in AD 148.