Another Aureus from the Five (Actually Six) Good Emperors - Antoninus Pius

Antoninus Pius was the adopted son of Hadrian, and biological son of Titus Aurelius Fulvus who died soon after the birth of Antoninus. He is regarded by modern time historians as one of the five (six) good emperors who were chosen (through adoption), by their predecessors, on the basis of merit, and did not inherit the position through birth.

He deified Hadrian against the wishes of the senate and pardoned many who Hadrian had sentenced to death. He preferred diplomacy to aggression and historians have doubted that he ever saw a Roman Army, leave alone lead one in battle. A man of simple tastes, he was generous to those regions of the empire who needed help especially during calamities.

Antoninus had an uneventful (perhaps too peaceful) reign during which he concentrated on expanding the infrastructure throughout the empire. He is best known for building roads and aqueducts for the supply of clean water, developing the legal system, encouraging art, education and philosophy and leaving a healthy treasury surplus for his successors.

Some have argued that he should have been more decisive in dealing with threats (Parthian) to the Empire and perhaps too lenient but none have disputed his desire to ensure that justice prevailed. He is known to have suppressed the persecution of Christians and sought the advice of a Jewish Rabbi who is believed to have been his friend, demonstrating that he was a moderate, tolerant and fair ruler.

His personal life seems to be a happy one and although he had two sons, neither of them survived. When he died in 161 AD, his two adopted sons and heirs, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus became co-emperors of the Empire.

My second Aureus of the Good Emperors…..4 more to go

Ancient Roman Empire, Antoninus Pius (A.D. 138-161) c.A.D. 155-156 AV Aureus (7.35 gms) Rome Mint NGC MS Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5 (RIC-255a).

Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right; Reverse: Victory advancing left holding laurel wreath.





Please post your coins from the 6 Good Emperors as I would love to see what I should try to target next. Thanks

 

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That's a lovely example, very nice. Who else do you have an aureus of from the five?

Aurei are well out of my budget, but I do collect bronze and silver from this era. Here's my favourite Antoninus Pius.

 

Nice coin. The portraits on his coins appear to show a man with a kind disposition, at least as kind as a Roman Emperor could afford to be.

I posted one of Hadrian a few days back

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/hadrian-117-138-ad.361435/

 

I have a very rough Ant Pi dupondius.
I sort of like the stippled appearance, but I think I'd like to upgrade.

 

Superb coin - congrats. I recently decided to start collecting gold, but I am starting with the much more economical solidi. Just pulled the trigger on an Anastasius.

 

You’re the one who won that. I was watching it for a while. But it would of taken a good chunk out of the savings to attempt to buy it. Glad it went to a good home though.

how is the surface in hand? I felt like you could see some hairlines in the photo. Wondered how noticeable it was.

 

Great coin, and a very fair price in my eyes!

 

Very nice Aureus!

I got this one because it spells out SPQR


RI AE As Trajan CE 98-117 26mm 11.0g Rome Laureate Draped - SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS Victory R wreath palm S-C RIC 675

 

Thanks for the compliment @LM. I don't believe in NEVER. Growing up I remember saying my dream car was a tiny red dot in the horizon rapidly speeding away from me. Who would have guessed I'd own one someday!! Seen many ups and downs and its prepared me for all the surprises life has thrown my way. Something tells me you're made of gritty stuff and WILL get what you want, God willing

Guilty as charged . Haven't received it yet and probably will ask them to hold on to it till things settle down, so I can't really comment. But I didn't think there were any major issues. Surface didn't look the best but then its got a 4/5 for that reason.

Thanks Joe. Yes I think I got a pretty good deal. I've generally seen them go for quite a bit more in MS grade.

 

Beautiful Antoninus makes mine (which I finally received today) seem dingy! Congrats!!!

Which auction was this from? I don't recall seeing it at any of the auctions I've been monitoring.

 

Why don’t you share some photos with us either here or on a new thread please

 

@1934 Wreath Crown....Great looking coin!...Would love to see the 2 together?
Here's mine in Denarii with the ladies added..

 

Thanks @Spaniard. I posted the Hadrian on a separate thread but will re-post the image here at the risk of being chastised for repeated posts and being banned from the forum

I've never looked at coins struck in honour of the ladies of the Empire simply because I don't know enough about them, there were so many emperors who were interesting enough personalities to collect and I'd go broke trying to get aurii from the ladies of the Empire in addition to their men. Maybe after I win the Big Ticket

Here is the Hadrian

 

Ah, that's good, because I collect Antonine Women. Not that I have the budget to collect their aurei.

Here are the five good emperors in silver: