Pre-Long Beach Auction #81

Antoninus Pius. Gold Aureus (7.2 g), AD 138-161. Rome, ca. AD 141. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius right. Reverse: LIBERALITAS / AVG II in two lines in exergue, emperor seated left on curule chair on low platform on right; to left, Liberalitas standing left, pouring coins from cornucopiae into folds of toga of citizen approaching platform for the left. RIC 74; cf. BMC 216 (bust); Calicó 1560. Fine high relief style and rare reverse. Golden rosy highlights. Choice Very Fine.
The goddess Liberalitas was the personification of generosity, coming from the Latin word liber meaning free. In this coin, she represents the generosity of the Antonius Pius through the giving of coins to the Roman citizen, who stands off the platform ready to accept the gifts. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000