Denomination: Brass sestertius

Period: Roman imperial

Date: 164-167 AD

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: Very fine; holed as a one-time memento possibly, but now plugged

Obverse: Draped bust of Lucilla, left, LVCILLA AVGVSTA

Reverse: Juno standing, left, holding patera and sceptre; at feet to left, peacock standing left, head right; SC across field

Size and Weight: 20.82g, 31mm

References: Sear 5502, RIC 1751 (Aurelius)

Features and Provenance: Lucilla was the second daughter of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina II and was born 149 AD. She seems to have had a very sad life, starting with her betrothal to Lucius Verus at the age of only twelve. To make matters worse, he had been betrothed to her own mother some years before! They married in 166, but Verus died in 169 and she was widowed at the age of twenty. After another loveless marriage instigated by her father and consequently multiple affairs, she became involved in an unsuccessful conspiracy in 182 against her brother, Commodus, who was by now emperor. As a result, she was banished to Capri and finally executed.   

Juno Regina, on the reverse of the sestertius, was the goddess of protection for the individual and the state. Her sacred animals were birds and here she is depicted with a peacock. The Temple of Juno in Rome had sacred geese who, on one occasion, alerted the citizens by making such a horrendous noise, and thereby enabling them to defend themselves, when Gallic invaders tried to attack Rome. She was subsequently given the epithet Juno Moneta on this occasion, but here she is also known as Juno Regina as she was said to have watched over the women of Rome, Regina meaning 'Queen.' 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible

Ebay is a fantastic platform via which to communicate. I am Eric Knowles. I am unquestionably a people person in so far as I like to know the person at the end of the telephone, or those with whom I communicate electronically. For the avoidance of doubt and to eliminate risk when buying I always like to know the seller.

Please do not think me egotistical, however, it is important that people know exactly who I am. I have been involved in the antiques business since 1971. My career took a leap forward when I joined Bonhams in 1976. Some five years later I became head of the Decorative Arts department. The same year I was invited by the BBC to take part in the Antiques Roadshow and 38 years later I am still enjoying being a part of the team.

Code 20111011