Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Antoninus Pius 587

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Antoninus Pius 587. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Antoninus Pius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right, with the legend ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P.

The reverse shows phoenicia, towered, standing left, holding crown in right hand and short sceptre in left; by left foot, prow; to right, palm-tree, with the legend PHOENICE COS II S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 was Roman emperor from AD 138 to 161, having been adopted as son and successor by Hadrian shortly before the latter's death. He acquired the cognomen Pius following his accession, either for securing the deification of Hadrian or for saving senators whom Hadrian had condemned. His rule formed part of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty and was characterised by internal peace without major revolts.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features the imperial authority on the obverse accompanied by the legend "ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a large coin useful for commerce, historically valued at one quarter of a denarius. The reverse is dedicated to Phoenicia, identified by the inscription "PHOENICE COS II S C", and depicts the personification towered, holding a crown and sceptre alongside a ship's prow and a palm-tree.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Antoninus Pius

Design

Obverse
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
Reverse
Phoenicia, towered, standing left, holding crown in right hand and short sceptre in left; by left foot, prow; to right, palm-tree
Obverse legend
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P
Reverse legend
PHOENICE COS II S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Antoninus Pius 587
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P
Reverse legend to match
PHOENICE COS II 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