Lot 2299

Description

Aelius, (Caesar A.D. 136-138), AE sestertius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 137, (24.48 grams), obv. bare head of Aelius to right, L AELIVS CAESAR around, dotted border, rev. TR POT COS II around, S C across field, CONCORD in exergue, Concordia seated to left, holding patera and resting left elbow on cornucopiae set on base, (S.1213, RIC 1057). Delightful even brown patina, extremely fine and very rare in this condition.

Aelius was adopted by Hadrian as his heir in A.D. 136, and appointed governor of Pannonia. He however predeceased the emperor by dying of tuberculosis in A.D. 138. The Concordia type proclaims the harmony of the new imperial colleagues. See also example of the gold aureus of Aelius in this sale with a similar reverse.