Roman Empire, Antoninus Pius, Æ Sestertius

140-144 AD

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Article code: 25-1929
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Antoninus Pius: Roman Emperor from 138-161 AD and one of the 'Five Good Emperors'. His reign is notable for the internal peace and prosperity which allowed trade and commerce to flourish.

In 142 AD the Antonine Wall was built to protect the Roman frontier in Britain.

Antoninus was deeply devoted to his wife Faustina the Elder. After her death he had her deified and created a charity in her honour (Girls of Faustina) which assisted destitute girls of good family.

Upon his death, he left behind his successors a large surplus in the treasury.

SALVS AVG: Salus Augusti or Augusta: Dedicated to the health of the Emperor or Empress.

Salus: goddess of safety, health and prosperity is one of the oldest Roman goddesses. Every year on August 5 the ceremony of the Augurium Salutis was held for the preservation of the Roman state.

The sestertius was the large brass denomination of the Roman imperial coinage, usually weighing around 25–28 grams and measuring 30–35 mm in diameter. Its broad flan gave engravers ample space for some of the finest imperial portraits and most elaborate reverse designs in Roman numismatics.