Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Antoninus Pius 1387b

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Antoninus Pius 1387b. 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 ANTONINI AVG PII F.

The reverse shows venus, standing left, holding apple and sceptre, with the legend VENVS S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
12
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 of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. Having married Faustina and been adopted by Hadrian as his successor, he acquired the cognomen Pius following his accession. His administration was noted for a peaceful empire, public infrastructure works, and leaving a substantial surplus in the imperial treasury upon his death.

Struck at the Rome mint under Antoninus Pius, this bronze sestertius represents a denomination valued in Roman commerce at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses. The issue honours Faustina the Younger, featuring her bust alongside the obverse legend "FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII F", identifying her lineage. The reverse depicts the goddess Venus holding an apple and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "VENVS 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
Venus, standing left, holding apple and sceptre
Obverse legend
FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII F
Reverse legend
VENVS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Antoninus Pius 1387b
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII F
Reverse legend to match
VENVS 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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference