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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Antoninus Pius 605a

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Antoninus Pius 605a. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Antoninus Pius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right, with the legend ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III.

The reverse shows genius of the Senate, togate, standing left, holding branch upwards in extended right hand and short sceptre in left, with the legend GENIO SENATVS S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
14
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

He was born into a senatorial family and acquired the cognomen Pius following his accession, either through compelling the Senate to deify Hadrian or because he saved senators who had been condemned to death. His administration was characterized by imperial peace and financial surplus.

Struck at Rome, this bronze sestertius carries the obverse legend "ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius functioned as a denomination useful for commerce, being valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses. The reverse honours the genius of the Senate with the legend "GENIO SENATVS S C", depicting a togate figure holding a branch and sceptre.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Antoninus Pius

Design

Obverse
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
Reverse
Genius of the Senate, togate, standing left, holding branch upwards in extended right hand and short sceptre in left
Obverse legend
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III
Reverse legend
GENIO SENATVS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Antoninus Pius 605a
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III
Reverse legend to match
GENIO SENATVS 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

Varieties

  • RIC III Antoninus Pius 605b

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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