Three Roman Bronze Phallic Amulets, Fascina (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 171)

$321.25

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A group of three Roman bronze and leaded bronze phallic amulets, known as fascina, comprising two suspension pendants of the characteristic curved phallus-and-ring form and a third pendant cast as a diminutive ithyphallic torso with suspension loop, all worn throughout the Roman world as potent apotropaic talismans against the evil eye, and all three bearing the warm dark patina of long burial that speaks to their unabashedly cheerful place in the everyday protective magic of ancient Roman life. Size of largest: 1.5″ L x 0.4″ W x 0.7″ H (3.8 cm x 1 cm x 1.8 cm)

Publication: Please note that the amulet with green patina contains up to 28% 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. All have expected surface wear with weathering and abrasions. Otherwise, all are intact and very nice with rich patina. The amulet with green patina contains up to 28% lead and is not recommended for wear. The other two are wearable.