© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)
Sestertius - Antoninus Pius VOTA SOL DEC II COS IIII S C
| Bronze | 22.8 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 158-159 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 22.8 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#261354 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Antoninus Pius, standing left, sacrificing with patera over tripod, left arm at side; by altar, bull reclining.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VOTA SOL DEC II COS IIII S C
Translation:
Vota Soluta Decennalia Secunda, Consul Quartum. Senatus Consultum.
Vows (prayers and sacrifices) paid (fulfilled) for two decades of rule. Consul for the fourth time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 20.32–25.76 g;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 the Roman goddess Sol on the obverse (front side), which is unusual for a coin issued during the reign of Antoninus Pius. Sol was not a commonly depicted deity on Roman coins during this time period, and it's believed that the inclusion of this image was a nod to the emperor's efforts to promote the cult of Sol Invictus, or the "Unconquered Sun," which was a prominent religious movement in the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD.
