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RIC III Antoninus Pius 1379

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Antoninus Pius 1379. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Antoninus Pius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Faustina the Younger, draped, right, hair is elaborately dressed in horizontal lines with ringlets down front: it is coiled in a chignon on back of head., with the legend FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL.

The reverse shows pietas, diademed, draped, standing, front, head left, holding flower- bud up in right hand and cornucopiae in left: at her feet, left, a child., with the legend PIETAS S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Antoninus Pius ruled the Roman Empire from AD 138 to 161 as the fourth of the Five Good Emperors from the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. His accession followed his adoption by Emperor Hadrian, whose niece Faustina he had married. Antoninus's administration was distinguished by peace across the empire, administrative stability, and public works, leaving a substantial financial surplus at his death in 161.

This bronze sestertius was minted in Rome under the imperial authority of Antoninus Pius. In Roman imperial coinage, the sestertius represented a denomination with a nominal value equal to one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses, functioning as a regular unit of Roman commerce. The coin features Faustina the Younger with the obverse inscription "FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL", identifying her as the daughter of the emperor, while the reverse depicts Pietas with a child alongside the legend "PIETAS S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Antoninus Pius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Faustina the Younger, draped, right, hair is elaborately dressed in horizontal lines with ringlets down front: it is coiled in a chignon on back of head.
Reverse
Pietas, diademed, draped, standing, front, head left, holding flower- bud up in right hand and cornucopiae in left: at her feet, left, a child.
Obverse legend
FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL
Reverse legend
PIETAS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Antoninus Pius 1379
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL
Reverse legend to match
PIETAS S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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