Exceptionally rare oval silver fibula. The 8 mm wide frame is divided into quarters by the heads of four rivet pins. In each quarter a finely engraved fish and a punched rosette; ropework border. A gold repoussé profile bust of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138 - 161 A.D.) in the center. His head to the right with a laurel wreath. Frame engraved and punched. Slightly encrusted in places. Intact. Dimensions 4.7 x 4 x 0.5 cm (without pin). Accompanied by certificates both of the Oxford Labs (material analysis) and the Art Loss Register. The 'Adoptive emperor' Antoninus Pius counts among the most respected Roman emperors. The ancient historians know relatively little about his reign, a sign that peace and prosperity prevailed. According to ancient authors, he had a broad face with a well-shaped nose and dark eyes. His hair and full beard were (later) grey, his skin colour white and reddish. His voice is described as strong and sonorous, his expression as worthy and serious, but always friendly. His successor Marcus Aurelius took him as a role model and in his self-reflections he emphasized, among other things, his faithful fulfillment of duty and his undemanding, untiring work for the common wealth, free of all ambition. An exceptional fibula. Provenance: South German private collection. Previously in a collection in London, acquired in London in the early 1990s.Condition: II -