Lot 114: Antoninus Pius. A.D. 138-161. Æ as. Rome, A.D. 148/9. VF, porous brown surfaces. Scarce type. Ex VAuctions Grand Opening Sale 212 (18 September 2008), 90. 
AUCTION: ACCG 3rd Annual Benefit Auction (Auction 253)
- Sold Winning Bid: $79
- 8 Bid(s)
Antoninus Pius. A.D. 138-161. Æ as (23 mm, 7.94 g, 6 h). Rome, A.D. 148/9. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS [P P TR P] XII, laureate head right / [MVNIFICE]NTIA. AVG, [COS] III[I/S C] in two lines in exergue, elephant walking right. RIC 862a; BMC 1841; Cohen 565. VF, porous brown surfaces. Scarce type.
Ex VAuctions Grand Opening Sale 212 (18 September 2008), 90.
With the death of Hadrian's heir, Aelius Caesar, on New-Year's Day, 138, Antoninus was adopted as the new successor and he ascended the imperial throne on July 10. The coinage of Antoninus' reign was issued not only in the emperor's name but also in that of his wife, Faustina Senior, the Caesar Marcus Aurelius, and his daughter, Faustina Junior, who married Aurelius in 145. This exceptional copper as is dated by the years of Antoninus' tribunician power (TR P XII) to the 12-month period beginning 10 December 148. The reverse depicts an elephant, clad in some kind of ornamental covering, accompanied by an inscription proclaiming the emperor's liberality (Munificentia Augusti). The reference is to the staging of wild beast shows in the arena of the Amphitheatrum Flavium, better known today as the Colosseum, on the occasion of the celebration of Rome's 900th anniversary in A.D. 148.
[Commentary courtesy of Barry Murphy and VAuctions]
Donated by: Roman Lode
- Offered By: VAuctions
- Lot #: 114
- Listing #: 182487
- Closed: Thursday, October 7, 2010 8:46:00 PM CT
- Estimate: $100