Sestertius of Antoninus Pius

Sestertius of Antoninus Pius, during his reign 138-161, issued circa 145-161. Average weight 25.9 g, diameter 32 mm. Obverse legend ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P surrounds a right-facing laureate head. Reverse shows Antoninus Pius in a slow quadriga left, holding an eagle-tipped sceptre; legend COS IIII with S C in exergue. Strike typically high-relief on broad flan, with even brown-green patination and occasional red cuprous highlights; some specimens exhibit light smoothing. Cited in RIC III Antoninus Pius 767A and standard collections.

Celebrating Antoninus Pius's fourth consulship, the quadriga reverse projects the emperor's authority and pietas, reinforcing the continuity of Pax Romana after Hadrian. These large bronzes circulated widely in Italy and the western provinces, conveying imperial imagery to everyday users. Their substantial size and controlled output help modern scholars trace monetary policy and Rome's mid-second-century bronze coinage reforms.