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RIC III Antoninus Pius 891

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Antoninus Pius 891. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Antoninus Pius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P.

The reverse shows annona, draped, seated, left on low seat, holding two corn-ears in extended right hand over modius with corn-ears and cornucopiae in left, with the legend TR POT XV COS IIII ANNONA AVG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
10
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 his death. The fourth of the Five Good Emperors from the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, he acquired the cognomen Pius following his accession. His administration governed an empire noted for its peaceful state, marked by a treasury surplus, legal reforms, and public infrastructure works.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius features the emperor's laureate portrait alongside his titles "IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P". The reverse depicts Annona seated with corn-ears, a modius, and a cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "TR POT XV COS IIII ANNONA AVG S C". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius denomination served commerce with a nominal value equivalent to two and a half asses, or one quarter of a denarius.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Antoninus Pius

Design

Obverse
Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right
Reverse
Annona, draped, seated, left on low seat, holding two corn-ears in extended right hand over modius with corn-ears and cornucopiae in left
Obverse legend
IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P
Reverse legend
TR POT XV COS IIII ANNONA AVG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Antoninus Pius 891
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P
Reverse legend to match
TR POT XV COS IIII ANNONA AVG 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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