Sestertius - Antoninus Pius P P TR P COS III S C; Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius
| Bronze | 31.7 g | - |
| 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 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 31.7 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#260866 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Aeneas, advancing right, carrying Anchises on left shoulder and holding Ascanius by the hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P P TR P COS III S C
Translation:
Pater Patriae, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Father of the nation, holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Example of this type:Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius, who are characters from Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. The Aeneid tells the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas and his journey to Italy, where he would eventually found the city of Rome. The inclusion of these characters on the coin suggests that the Roman Empire was interested in promoting the mythology and culture of its ancestors, even on its currency.
