Antoninus Pius, as Augustus (AD 138-161). AV aureus (20mm, 7.11 gm, 5h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 147-148. ANTONINVS-AVG PIVS P P TR P XI, laureate bust of Antoninus Pius right, seen from behind, drapery on left shoulder / C-O-S-II-II, Liberalitas standing facing, head left, tessera upward in right hand, cornucopia cradled in left arm; LIB-V across fields. Calicó 1578 (same dies). RIC III 169c. Charming portrait of Antoninus and depiction of Liberalitas on a luscious satiny flan. Liberalitas was the personification of generosity, particularly of the imperial kind. Her image is often used in conjunction with the regular distributions of cash and food to the Roman populace, and she is usually shown holding a cornucopia and an object sometimes described as an abacus. This is most probably a special shovel or scoop with slots cut into it, so that a specified number of coins would be delivered to each citizen.

HID09801242017

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