Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1507. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANTONINUS PIUS. 138-161 AD. Æ Sestertius (26.30 gm). Struck 140 AD. CONCORDIAE, Antoninus Pius, standing right on low daïs, holding Concordia, clasping hands over lighted altar with Faustina Sr. diademed and veiled, standing right on low daïs, holding sceptre; corresponding smaller male and female figures standing before, clasping hands. RIC III 601; BMCRE 1237; Cohen 146. Good VF, dark green patina, minor spots of encrustation, minor smoothing in fields. ($1000)

From the Michael Weller Collection. Ex Lanz 106 (26-27 November 2001), lot 445.

This reverse type is perhaps the most enigmatic of all of Antoninus' coins. The overall image is clearly that of matrimonial harmony, as evidenced both by the legend CONCORDIAE and by the male-female pairings. The difficulty, however, lies in the identification of the figures, particularly the smaller pair. Antoninus Pius is clearly identifiable: he holds the small statue of Concordia. He clasps hands with Faustina Sr. who, in her role as Pietas holds a sceptre; each stands on a low daïs, implying a somewhat elevated, though not quite divine status, as exemplar of marital concord.

Of the smaller figures, Mattingly conveniently referred to them as a "man and a maid [who] plight their troth." Yet, in the first years of his reign, Antoninus Pius began to undo the dynastic arrangements established by Hadrian. Lucius Verus, though the son of Hadrian's earlier Caesar, Aelius, and clearly the previous emperor's favorite was delayed in his advancement and his betrothal to Faustina Jr. was soon annulled. In his place, Antoninus appointed Marcus Aurelius Caesar in 139 AD ; the following year, the new Caesar held the consulship for the first time. Now, as the clearly-designated heir-apparent, Marcus was without reservation be betrothed to the emperor's daughter, an event commemorated by our coin, and thus signal a new dynastic arrangement. Since Faustina Jr. was still a child, however, the actual marriage was delayed for five years.