Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, Laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right.

Reverse: MVNIFICENTIA AVG COS IIII S C, Elephant walking left.

RIC: 863. Sear: 4308(Var.) BMCRE: 1840. [Rome, AD 148-9].

Diameter: 29 mm. Weight: 10.4 g.

An excellent example of this highly desirable zoological type featuring an impressively naturalistic depiction of an elephant. The reverse inscription MVNIFICENTIA refers to the Emperor's generosity in providing public entertainments and spectacles, particularly gladiatorial games and beast hunts. This elephant may well have been destined to fight in the arena. The coin is boldly struck with an attractive mottled green patina with copper highlights.