A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman

Roman Imperial Coinage, Antoninus Pius, As, Rome, 159-60, laureate bust right, antoninvs avg pivs p p tr p xxiii, rev. templvm div avg rest, octastyle temple with statues, etc, s c in field, cos iiii in exergue, 12.29g (RIC 1040; C –). Good very fine, dark green patina, rare £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Provenance: E.A. Sydenham Collection, Glendining Auction, 10 December 1941, lot 160.

The construction of the temple was authorised by the Senate soon after Augustus’s death and deification in 14. Constructed during the reign of Tiberius, it was situated between the Palatine and Capitoline hills and completed and dedicated in August 37, the final day of the festivities falling on Caligula’s 25th birthday. After being destroyed by fire, the temple was rebuilt by Domitian in 89-90. This coin refers to a further restoration undertaken by Antoninus Pius in the late 150s, perhaps motivated by the emperor’s desire to be publicly associated with his illustrious predecessor