Ave!

Antoninus Pius, Sestertius, Crossed Cornucopias Reverse, OMG! LOOK!

Æ; 30mm/23.4gm - Rome Mint, struck ca. 149 AD

Con/ Slightly off-struck on the reverse, otherwise, about Extremely Fine. Sharply struck on each side with raised details; glossy dark green patina.

Obv/ ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII; laureate head right.

Rev/ TEMPORVM FELICITAS S-C; Crossed cornucopias from which a grape bunch flanked by two grain ears hang, surmounted by busts of two boys facing each other. COS IIII below.

Ref/ RIC Vol III, 857 = Rare - Scarce!

Seller's Note/ A. Pius struck this issue to celebrate birth of the twin sons Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior, namely T. Aelius Antoninus and T. Aurelius Antoninus, born in AD 149. These were the first male offspring of the couple, offering hope for the establishment of the new dynasty, but sadly both died in infancy.

Now, just saying, in this condition our example is easy valued at over $1200, no lie. So why is our listed price so low? As is happens, three years ago one of our Balkan crew needed a new metal-detector. We sent him the money to buy a new one and we completely forgot about it. But he remembered and pretty much gifted us this coin in appreciation for his new detector. Nice gift, for sure, and we're pleased to present our gift to you.