Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 21.56 g, 5h). “Crown series” of the Provinces. Rome mint. Struck AD 139. Good Fine.

Electronic Auction 575
Lot: 573.
Closing Date: Nov 20 2024 10:00 ET

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Estimate: $ 150

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Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 21.56 g, 5h). “Crown series” of the Provinces. Rome mint. Struck AD 139. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right / ALEXA NDRIA around, COS II/ S C in two lines across field, Alexandria, draped, with lotus(?) on head, standing left, holding crown on extended right hand and ibis in left. RIC III 577; Banti 15; Roma E-Sale 32, lot 866 (same dies). Brown patina, pitting. Good Fine. Rare.

The Antoninus Pius “crown series” is so called because the attribute held by the province in the right hand is always a crown of some kind, though its shape varies significantly. This series began early in Pius’ reign, circa AD 139, and represented something of a continuation from the similar series of his predecessor, Hadrian. Unlike Hadrian, Antoninus never left Italy over the 24 years of his reign and never saw the vast majority of the provinces depicted, although he did serve as governor of Asia during his senatorial career. The crown series of provinces sestertii of Antoninus are, as a rule, quite rare and difficult to acquire in pleasing grades.

Closing Date and Time: 20 November 2024 at 13:10:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.