Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Finely rendered from 85% gold sheet (equivalent to 20K+), an amulet in the form of a phallus, symbolic of virility and fertility, the male genitalia featuring a flaccid, curved penis between round testicles with pubic hair above - quite naturalistic. Attached atop the pendant is a nice suspension loop. Suspension wire shown for photography only and not included. Precious metal content: 85% gold and 8% silver - equivalent to over 20 karat. Weight: .9 grams. Size: .6" W x .875" H (1.5 cm x 2.2 cm)

Pendants such as this were often worn by soldiers in the field as a sign of their masculinity as well as by newlywed husbands hoping to increase their virility and fertility. In addition, disembodied examples like this were used as what Pliny described as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against bad luck and evil forces.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158825

  • Condition: Minor indentations to the surface as shown, but intact and still presenting a fine level of detail. Loop is still intact as well. Gold has developed a warm patina.

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September 22, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000