Antoninus Pius (138-161). AE Sestertius, 140-144 AD. Obv.
Antoninus Pius (138-161). AE Sestertius, 140-144 AD. Obv. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TRP COS III. Laureate head right. Rev. REX ARMENIIS DATVS SC. Antoninus standing left, placing tiara on head of king of Armenia. RIC III 619; C. 686. AE. 26.24 g. 33.00 mm. R. Rare and historically important. Superb portrait and fascinating reverse. Attractive green brown patina. Good VF. As Rome and Parthia (and, later, the Sasanians) vied with one another for control of the border territories in eastern Anatolia and northern Syria, the kingdom of Armenia became a crucial prize for both. With a client-king installed on its throne, Armenia could sereve as an important buffer for either empire. Thus, the appointment of a new ruler to the Armenian throne was an important event. Given that this sestertius was struck during the third consulship of Pius (AD 140-144), the only possible candidate for the new Armenian king represented heere is Sohemo (first reign, circa AD 140/44). (CNG 84 , 2010, 1035 note).
- The cost is converted to USD at the rate of 1 EUR = 1.101125 USD on 2023-05-05.
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