Sestertius - Antoninus Pius (SALVS AVG S C; Salus) (140-144) front Sestertius - Antoninus Pius (SALVS AVG S C; Salus) (140-144) back
Sestertius - Antoninus Pius (SALVS AVG S C; Salus) (140-144) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Sestertius - Antoninus Pius SALVS AVG S C; Salus

 
Bronze 17.6 g 31 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
140-144
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
17.6 g
Diameter
31 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#260899
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Salus, draped, standing left, feeding snake coiled round altar and holding rudder on globe.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SALVS AVG S C

Translation:
Salus Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
Health of the emperor. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Salus, the Roman goddess of safety and well-being, on its reverse side. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was focused on promoting the idea of safety and security for its citizens. Additionally, the coin's bronze composition and relatively small weight of 17.6 grams suggest that it was intended for everyday use by the average person, rather than being a high-value coin reserved for the wealthy elite.