© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Antoninus Pius SYRIA COS II S C; Syria and Orontes
139 year| Bronze | 24.4 g | 31.5 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 | 24.4 g |
| Diameter | 31.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#260831 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Syria, standing left, holding crown in right hand and cornucopiae in left; at feet, left Orontes swimming left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SYRIA COS II S C
Translation:
Syria. Consul Secundum. Senatus Consultum.
Syria. Consul for the second time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 22.01–27.92 g;Diameter varies: 31–32 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 combination of imagery on its reverse side. The coin depicts a scene of the emperor Antoninus Pius sacrificing a bull to the gods, while also showing a personification of the river Orontes, which was a significant waterway in the Roman province of Syria. This combination of imperial imagery and regional symbolism is not commonly found on other coins from this time period, making it a distinctive and interesting artifact from the Roman Empire.
