Pair of Roman Bronze Phallic Amulets – Fascina (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 172)

$224.88

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE.
A pair of Roman phallic amulets, known as fascina, comprising a finely cast bronze pendant in the form of a winged phallus with spread feathered wings and suspension loop, its vivid blue-green patina lending it an almost jewel-like presence, accompanied by a larger leaded bronze example of the simple bar-and-glans form suspended from a twisted wire loop, both representing the ubiquitous apotropaic talismans worn across the Roman world to ward off the evil eye and invite the blessings of Priapus upon their bearer. Size of larger: 1.6″ L x 0.5″ W x 1.1″ H (4.1 cm x 1.3 cm x 2.8 cm)

Publication: Please note that the larger amulet contains up to 38.4% lead and is not recommended for wear.

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

Condition: Fair. Both have expected surface wear with weathering and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, both are intact and very nice with rich patinas. Larger amulet contains up to 38.4% lead and is not recommended for wear; more petite amulet is wearable.