154 



THE ANTIQUITIES 



[LETT. 



medallions, all of the lower empire. There was not much virtu 

 stirring at that time in this neighbourhood ; however, some of 

 the gentry and clergy around bought what pleased them best ; 

 and some dozens fell to the share of the author. 



The owners at first held their commodity at a high price, 

 but, finding that they were not likely to meet with dealers at 

 such a rate, they soon lowered their terms, and sold the fairest 





GILBKRT WHTTK'S HOUSK. 



as they could. The coins that were rejected became current, 

 and passed for farthings at the petty shops. Of those that we 

 saw, the greater part were of Marcus Aurelius, and the Empress 

 Faustina, his wife, the father and mother of Commodus. Some 

 of Faustina were in high relief, and exhibited a very agreeable 

 set of features, which probably resembled that lady. The 

 medallions in general were of a paler colour than the coins. 

 To pretend to account for the means of their coming to this 



