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Magnificent Gold Aureus of Antoninus Pius
1231
Antoninus Pius. Gold Aureus (7.48 g), AD 138-161. Rome, AD 145-147. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P,
bare-headed and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. TR POT COS IIII, Roma seated left, holding
palladium and spear; at her side behind, shield. (RIC 147; BMC 555; Calicó 1654c). Light graffito in obverse
field, otherwise of fine style, lustrous and well struck in high-relief. Superb extremely fine.
$ 20,000
Although the reverse type refers to the general greatness of Rome and her empire rather than to specific historical events, several
notable developments took place during the fourth consulship of Antoninus Pius when this coin was struck. Most importantly,
he elevated Marcus Aurelius to the position of Caesar and identified him as his intended successor. He also married his daughter,
Faustina II, to Aurelius and made Aurelius his colleague in the consulship. During his fourth consulship, Pius also dedicated a
temple to the divine Hadrian, who had previously adopted and trained him as successor to the imperial purple. With such forward-
thinking emperors at the helm, Roma could securely sit on her throne without concern as she does here. She was in good hands for
the moment.
1232
Antoninus Pius. Silver Denarius (3.34 g), AD 138-161. Rome, AD 150/1. IMP CAES T AEL HADR
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. TR POT XIIII COS IIII,
Tranquillitas standing facing, head right, holding rudder and grain ears. (RIC 202b; BMC 736; RSC 825).
Lovely light iridescence. Superb extremely fine.
$ 300