© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Antoninus Pius AFRICA COS II S C; Africa
139 year| Bronze | 26.8 g | 33.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 139 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 26.8 g |
| Diameter | 33.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#260814 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Africa, wearing elephant-skin head-dress, standing left, holding crown in extended right hand and cornucopiae in left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: AFRICA COS II S C
Translation:
Africa. Consul Secundum. Senatus Consultum.
Africa. Consul for the second time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 23.34–31.31 g;Diameter varies: 32–35 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique reverse design that depicts Africa personified as a woman, seated on a rock and holding a scepter, symbolizing the Roman province of Africa. This design was only used on coins minted in Rome during the reign of Antoninus Pius, making it a distinctive feature of this particular coin.
