I recently have been learning some Latin and reading some old Roman text, I’ve always had a thing for the Hadrian wall and other cool things built by the Nerva-Antonine dynasty. So I decided I’ll make a collection goal of collecting at least the emperors. I might branch out and collect the wives too. So far I have a Antonius pius and a commodus denarius. I’m looking out for a coin of nerva and Marcus as well.
That's a great family and set to start collecting, CCA! It's very plentiful and collectable with great history. In honor of your new direction, here's a recently acquired sestertius of "Mr. AP" that I haven't shared yet... Antoninus Pius, Ruled 138-161 AD AE Sestertius, Struck 140-144 AD, Rome mint Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, Laureate head right. Reverse: Spes, draped, advancing left, holding dress and gathering up fold of skirt, S-C across fields. References: RIC III 626 Size: 30mm, 25.57g
I agree with Justin Lee. The adoptive emperors represent the Roman Empire at its peak, and their coins make a great set goal for a beginning collector. Most of the spouses (except Plotina) are relatively common and affordable, too, so you shouldn't have much difficulty branching out when you are ready. Stick with reputable dealers.
I think that's an excellent idea. A nice selection of Nerva-Antonine denarii is a great fundament for any Roman Imperial collection! Also, they can be acquired on a budget. You might have to search around a while for Nerva and skip Aelius, who at some point was Hadrian's chosen successor and died before having the chance to become emperor, but the rest can with some luck and patience be acquired in presentable condition for around $25–$40 each. With some notable exceptions (e.g. Plotina), the same is true for many of the Nerva-Antonine empresses. Below is my "set." All coins were in the price range mentioned above. Nerva, Roman Empire, denarius, 97 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP NERVA CAES AVG GERM PM TR P II, laureate head of Nerva right. Rev: IMP II COS IIII PP, Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae. 18mm, 2.98g. Ref: RIC II, 40. Trajan, Roman Empire, denarius, 101/102 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAESAR NERVA TRAIAN AUG GERM, laureate head of Trajan right. Rev: PM TRP COS IIII PP, Victory standing facing, holding wreath and palm branch. 18mm, 3.04g. Ref: RIC II, 58. Hadrian, Roman Empire, denarius, 119–122 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate head of Hadrian right. Rev: PM TR P COS III, Pax seated left, holding Victory on globe and branch. 18.5mm, 3.05g. Ref: RIC II, 95. Antoninus Pius, Roman Empire, denarius, 155–156 AD, Rome mint. Obv: [ANTO]NINVS AVG PIVS PP [IMP II], head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, r. Rev: TR POT XIX [CO]S III, Annona standing l., holding corn ears, resting l. hand on modius standing on prow with rudder leaning on it. 18mm, 3.27g. Ref: RIC III Antoninus Pius 249. Marcus Aurelius (postumous), Roman Empire, denarius, 180 AD, Rome mint. Obv: DIVUS M ANTONINVS PIVS; head of Marcus Aurelius r. Rev: CONSECRATIO; eagle standing on globe r, head turned l. 19mm, 2.79g. Ref: RIC III Commodus 273. Lucius Verus, Roman Empire, denarius, 167/168 AD. Rome mint. Obv: L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head of Lucius Verus right. Rev: TR P VIII IMP V COS III, Aequitas seated left, holding scales and cornucopiae. 18mm, 2.62g. Ref: RIC III, 595. Commodus, Roman Empire, denarius, 182 AD, Rome mint. Obv: M COMMOD[VS ANTON]INVS AVG, laureate head of Commodus right. Rev: LIB AVG V TR P VII IMP IIII COS III PP, Liberalitas standing left holding counting board and cornucopiae. 18mm, 2.24g. Ref: RIC III, 36A.
The Antonine family is a little tricky to understand because of its incestuous nature, but it's a fun area to collect -- the coins are varied, generally inexpensive, and the history is fascinating. I look forward to watching your collection grow here on CT! Here are some denarii of Pius and Commodus from my collection. This one is my most recent -- a gift from my Secret Saturnalia benefactor! Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. Roman AR denarius, 3.26g, 17.2 mm, 5 h. Rome, AD 161. Obv: DIVVS ANTONINVS, head of Antoninus Pius, bare, right, with drapery on left shoulder. Rev: CONSECRATIO, pyre of four tiers decorated with garlands and statues and surmounted by a quadriga. Refs: RIC 438; BMCRE 60-64; RSC 164a; RCV 5193; MIR 24. Notes: Also struck with a right-facing bare head (no drapery) portrait. Commodus, AD 177-192. Roman AR denarius, 2.29 g, 17.2 mm, 7h. Rome, AD 191. Obv: M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P, laureate head, right. Rev: CONC COM P M TR P XVI COS VI, Concordia standing left, holding patera and scepter. Refs: RIC 219; BMCRE 296-97; RCV 5631; MIR 808; Cohen 45. Notes: Reverse die match to BMCRE 296.
