Aureus - Antoninus Pius LIB IIII; Liberalitas
| Gold | 7.1 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 145-161 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.1 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#259991 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Antoninus Pius, seated left on platform on right; by him, Liberalitas standing left, pouring coins out of cornucopiae into toga of citizen, standing right.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIB IIII
Translation:
Liberalitas Quarta.
The fourth liberality.
Comment
Example of this type:Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Antoninus Pius (LIB IIII; Liberalitas) coin is that it features a unique design on its reverse side. Instead of the usual depiction of a Roman deity or a personification of an abstract concept, this coin bears an image of a woman standing left, holding a libation bowl and a patera (a shallow offering dish). This woman is believed to represent the personification of "Liberalitas," the Roman virtue of generosity and liberality, which was a key aspect of Antoninus Pius' reign. This design choice was likely intended to highlight the emperor's reputation for generosity and his efforts to promote prosperity and abundance throughout the empire.