Two heads for Antoninus Pius
12.12.2006
Hello I have this coin the last few years and i have know info on it. I seen your web site and was wondering if you could help. the weight is 25g  and diameter is 38.1 mm approx. Thanks
fig. 1
Roma, 16.12.2006
Dear Mark, 
my numismatic books describe a coin similar but not identical to yours:

As, Mint of Rome, 160 ÷ 162 d. C., RIC III 1070 (page 157), BMC IV 2132 (page 369),  Cohen II 56, indice di rarità "R"

Obv. ANTONINVS AVG PI - VS P P TR P COS III. Antoninvs Pius, head laureate right.
Rev.  ANTONINVS AVG PI - VS P P TR P COS III. Antoninvs Pius, head laureate left.

You will note the differences:

  1. the head in your reverse is  right, in the books is left;
  2. your coin has the weight of a sestertius whilst the books talk about an as (according to BMC 12,66g; 29,21mm).
How to explain the difference? You may possibly have a fake built up assembling two copies of the same obverse. The two halves of your coin are equal, the only difference I can note is in the wear which may be artificial.

Giulio De Florio
Indice Dietro Avanti