Rare Set Gallo-Roman Gold Repousse Phalerae (5)

Roman Gaul / Gallo-Roman, ca. 1st to early 5th century CE. A handsome and extremely rare set of very pure gold (97.5% or equivalent to 22K+ gold) phalerae - military uniform decoration. Each is a repousse disc of gold with a very thin, folded down lip over the back of the piece for attachment. Copper and iron patina on the back of three of these gives an idea of how they were attached onto armor and other uniforms. The two larger phalerae depict Imperial figures in profile - the one with the bearded bust is likely Antoninus Pius (r. 138-161 CE), while the other is likely the young Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180 CE). The other three all bear the same motif: garland ribbons topped by victorious wreaths atop altars. Size: 2.5" W (6.4 cm); 7.7" H (19.6 cm) on included custom stand; 29.2 grams total weight

Phalerae were awarded for valor and bravery in battle. Golden ones would have been reserved for high level officers and members of the Imperial family. They formed part of a Roman soldier's dress armor.

See a similar example at the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1611972&partId=1&searchText=gold+phalera&page=1

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s

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#143605
Condition Report: Slight bending to form of each, but overall in excellent condition. All have very light deposits on surface; three have copper and iron patina on their undecorated reverses.