Lot 459
**Originally Listed At $350**
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A pair of Roman fascina amulets, each shaped as a compact, stylized phallus and cast in a distinctive alloy that speaks to the varied metallurgical practices of the Roman world. These small but potent charms embody the protective force of the fascinum, a symbol long believed to shield its wearer from the evil eye, envy, danger, and illness. One amulet is composed of 42% silver, 39% lead, 10% bismuth, 7% tin, and 2% antimony. The balanced blend of silver and lead gives it a subdued brightness and a pleasing weight, while subtle modeling defines the anatomical form. The second amulet, made of 68% lead, 16% silver, 10% bismuth, 4% tin, and 2% antimony, has a darker, more satiny surface, its contours softly rounded by age and burial. Both include neatly formed suspension loops, indicating they were worn on cords, tied to clothing, or attached among clusters of protective charms. Size (both about the same): 0.8" L x 0.7" W x 0.8" H (2 cm x 1.8 cm x 2 cm); silver quality: 16 to 42%
Fascina were ubiquitous in Roman daily life. They guarded infants, protected soldiers, hung from domestic thresholds, and were carried as personal talismans. The power attributed to them was apotropaic: the exposed phallus was thought to repel malevolent forces through sheer vitality and assertive presence. In miniature form, these amulets served as constant companions, quietly warding off unseen threats. Together, this pair illustrates the expressive variety of Roman protective jewelry, unified by a single, enduring belief in the phallus as a guardian of health, prosperity, and safe passage through an unpredictable world.
Please note that one of these pendants are not recommended for wear due to lead content.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010
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#198156
- Condition: Both have expected surface wear, but are otherwise intact and very nice with smooth surfaces. Not recommended for wear due to lead content.
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| 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 |