Antoninus Pius, Dupondius,rare

Description

ANTONINUS PIUS  A.D. 138 - 161.

Dupondius, Rome mint, A.D. 158-9.

Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P PTR P XXII.

Head of Antoninus Pius, radiate right.

Reverse: AEDE DIVI AVG REST COS 1111 SC.

Figure standing on pedestal in shrine (sacellum Genii Senatus), holding branch and wand. Shrine with elaborate arched roof containing statue of the Genius of the Senate. "The precise location of this shrine is uncertain, but Hill ('The monuments of Ancient Rome as Coin types') believes it may have been in the Roman Senate House, the Curia Julia.

Scarce, architectural.

Bronze, 10.66g, 27mm.

Obverse grade: Excellent portrait with good detail in the hair and beard, struck slightly off center, the base below bust lacking detail, gVF - aEF.

Reverse: Shrine and figure with reasonable detail, off center and weak at the bottom left of the design, aVF.

Sear 4270, RIC 1014.