Sestertius - Antoninus Pius (S C; Minerva) (145-161) front Sestertius - Antoninus Pius (S C; Minerva) (145-161) back
Sestertius - Antoninus Pius (S C; Minerva) (145-161) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

Sestertius - Antoninus Pius S C; Minerva

 
Bronze 25.5 g 30 mm
Description
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 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
25.5 g
Diameter
30 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#261085
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Minerva, advancing right, brandishing javelin and holding shield.

Script: Latin

Lettering: S C

Translation:
Senatus Consultum.
Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 22.7–28.47 g;

Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Antoninus Pius. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized her association with wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a way to emphasize the emperor's association with wisdom and his role as a protector of the empire.