Lot 611

Roman Fascinum & Hand Amulets, Bronze and Silver, Pair

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Lot 611
Roman Fascinum & Hand Amulets, Bronze and Silver, Pair

Roman Fascinum & Hand Amulets, Bronze and Silver, Pair

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century A.D. A pair of apotropaic pendants. The first is a fascinum, cast in high-tin bronze with a silvery appearance, in the form of a phallus with a suspension loop for stringing. The second is cast in high-percentage silver in the form of a slender hand, possibly worn by a Roman soldier as a reminder of a sweetheart left at home. Fascina were believed to ward off evil and misfortune through the power of obscenity and divine virility. The looped design on both pieces suggests they were worn or mounted, perhaps on a necklace. Size: .95" L x .25" W (2.4 cm x 0.6 cm)

Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010

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Item # 198170

  • Condition: Suspension loop of phallic amulet missing, else both excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000