Discovered by Murray in the Surrey Hills, this large bronze sestertius dates from the reign of Antoninus Pius, who ruled the Roman Empire from AD 140-153. Antoninus Pius was the adopted son and successor of Emperor Hadrian and is remembered for his peaceful and prosperous reign. Unlike many emperors, he avoided major military campaigns, focusing instead on law reform, public works and strengthening the empire’s borders.
During this time, Britain was firmly under Roman control, having been conquered nearly a century earlier in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius. The province was garrisoned by legions, connected by Roman roads and integrated into the empire’s trade networks. The ancient Roman road Stane Street, which linked Chichester to London, runs not far from where this coin was found and would have been a vital route for trade and movement of troops.
The sestertius was a substantial brass coin, worth one quarter of a silver denarius. It was often used for larger purchases or to pay soldiers and officials. Struck in Rome, the obverse typically bore the emperor’s portrait, while the reverse carried images promoting imperial achievements or virtues.
Coins like this travelled vast distances, and finding one in Surrey provides direct evidence of Roman influence and commerce in the region nearly 1,900 years ago.
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