© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Antoninus Pius TR POT COS III S C; Janus
| Bronze | 26.6 g | 36 mm |
| 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 | 26.6 g |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#260912 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Janus, standing front, holding sceptre.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TR POT COS III S C
Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 25.95–27.22 g;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 Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, on one side, and Antoninus Pius on the other. Janus is often depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward, symbolizing his ability to see both the past and the future. This coin's design may have been meant to convey the idea of Antoninus Pius's ability to look back on the past and forward to the future with wisdom and insight.
