Denomination: Brass sestertius
Period: Roman empire
Date: AD 148/9
Origin: Rome mint
Condition: AVF/F nice dark green patina
Obverse: Laureate head, right, ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII
Reverse: Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopia, S-C across field, COS III or similar not visible
Size and Weight: 33.5mm, 22.02g
References: Spink 4162
Features and Provenance: As Hadrian's health deteriorated and with the death of his heir, Aelius Caesar, on New Years day138AD, a successor had to be selected. Antoninus was the chosen heir to be adopted by Hadrian. However, there were certain stipulations that Hadrian put forward before he would agree - Antoninus outlet himself had two adopt two heirs: Marcus Aurelius (aged 17) and Lucius Verus (aged 8). He did so, and even though he took the throne at the age of 52, he reigned for another 23 years, marred only by disturbances in Britain!
Aequitas was the goddess of fairness and was used by the emperors to demonstrate conformity and fairness in their coinage as well as their choices in governing. She is often shown holding scales, depicting balance and equality, and has past into the English language as equity and the concept of justice.
Product code: Roman Empire outlet Antoninus Pius, Sestertius, Aequitas AD 148/9