Antoninus Pius (AD 138–161) | Roman Bronze Sestertius
Rome Mint – Authentic Imperial Coin
⸻
Coin Details
•Emperor: Antoninus Pius
•Mint: Rome
•Date: AD 159–160 (TR P XXII)
•Denomination: Sestertius
•Material: Bronze
•Weight: 20.24 g
•Diameter: 32 mm
•Die Axis: 12h
•Condition: Good Very Fine
•Reference: RIC 1009a
⸻
Obverse
Laureate head of Emperor Antoninus Pius facing right.
Legend: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XXII.
The portrait conveys calm authority and dignity, qualities for which Antoninus Pius was renowned. His reign is remembered as one of the most peaceful and stable periods of the Roman Empire.
⸻
Reverse
Legend: VOTA SVSCEP DECENN III / COS IIII / S·C.
The emperor stands left, performing a ritual sacrifice with a patera over a tripod, a powerful religious act symbolizing vows undertaken for the well-being and longevity of the empire.
The reverse commemorates vows (vota suscepta) for the third decade of rule, emphasizing continuity, piety, and devotion to Rome’s traditional religious practices. The letters S·C (Senatus Consulto) confirm that the coin was issued under the authority of the Roman Senate.
⸻
Historical Significance
Antoninus Pius is widely regarded as one of Rome’s most benevolent emperors. His reign was marked by internal peace, legal reform, and prosperity, with minimal military conflict. Deeply committed to Roman religious traditions, Antoninus emphasized stability through ritual, law, and civic responsibility rather than conquest.
Large bronze sestertii such as this were the backbone of everyday commerce in imperial Rome and also served as an effective medium for imperial messaging, circulating widely among the population.
⸻
Why This Coin Matters
•Struck during the height of the Antonine Golden Age
•Strong religious and political symbolism celebrating imperial continuity
•Large-format bronze coin with impressive presence and detail
•Highly collectible example of Roman civic and ceremonial coinage
⸻
Included with This Coin
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective capsule or archival-quality holder
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using pure cotton fibers following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo