© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Dupondius - Antoninus Pius FELICITAS AVG S C; Felicitas
| Bronze | 12 g | 27.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 140-144 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 12 g |
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#260930 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing, front, head left, holding up caduceus in right hand and branch with stem pointing away from body, in left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FELICITAS AVG S C
Translation:
Felicitas Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
The good fortune of the emperor (Augustus). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 10.435–14.06 g;Diameter varies: 26–29 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Dupondius coin featuring Antoninus Pius and the goddess Felicitas is notable for its depiction of the Roman Empire's official ideology of "Felicitas," which emphasized the idea of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. The coin's design, which shows Felicitas standing on a globe and holding a caduceus (a symbol of commerce and peace), was meant to promote the idea that the Roman Empire was a place of prosperity and happiness under the rule of Antoninus Pius. This coin is a tangible representation of the Roman Empire's propaganda efforts to promote its ideology and create a sense of unity and stability among its citizens.
