Emperors of Rome. Antoninus Pius 138-161 AD AV-Aureus 7.54 g. Rome Mint.
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, bareheaded and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: TR PO T COS IIII, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding palladium in right hand and vertical spear in left; round shield at right side
References: RIC III 147 corr. (palladium not Victory); Strack 143κo; Calicó 1654a (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 556 (same obv. die); Adda 215 (same obv. die); Biaggi 766 (same obv. die); Mazzini 936 var. (bust type)
Provenance: Ex Grand Haven Collection, Triton XXIV, January 19-20, 2021, lot 1091; Heritage 3064, April 20, 2018) lot 30301; Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection, Numismatic Fine Arts I, March 20, 1975, lot 341; Dr. Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Collection, Dr. Jacob Hirsch Auction XVIII, May 27, 1907, lot 923
Description: The fourth of the "Five Good Emperors," Antoninus was born into a wealthy senatorial family and held numerous offices during the reign of Hadrian. When Hadrian's favorite Aelius died, Antoninus was chosen as Hadrian's heir, and was adopted near Hadrian's death on condition that he in turn adopt Lucius Verus, Aelius' son. Antoninus acquired the cognomen Pius after his accession to the throne, possibly because of his steadfast insistence that his adoptive father be deified, despite the fact that Hadrian had become quite unpopular in the Senate, largely as a result of numerous politically motivated prosecutions, and authoritative actions. During his reign, Antoninus never had reason to leave Italy as the Empire was mercifully free from significant insurrection and invasion. Antoninus was an able and impactful administrator. Under his reign, the treasury swelled, public works projects were expanded and freedman received the franchise. After an exceedingly long reign, Antoninus would die of illness, leaving the Empire in the hands of his two adopted sons, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.
The present piece was no doubt struck from dies carved by a skilled engraver. Antoninus' portrait in particularly is finely rendered, demonstrating none of the "bug-eyed" intensity that characterizes many of Antoninus' laureled portraits. The Reverse depicts the personification of Roma holding palladium, a popular motif in the imperial coinage and one shared by the aureus of Nero.
Reverse: TR PO T COS IIII, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on throne, holding palladium in right hand and vertical spear in left; round shield at right side
References: RIC III 147 corr. (palladium not Victory); Strack 143κo; Calicó 1654a (same obv. die as illustration); BMCRE 556 (same obv. die); Adda 215 (same obv. die); Biaggi 766 (same obv. die); Mazzini 936 var. (bust type)
Provenance: Ex Grand Haven Collection, Triton XXIV, January 19-20, 2021, lot 1091; Heritage 3064, April 20, 2018) lot 30301; Santa Barbara Museum of Art Collection, Numismatic Fine Arts I, March 20, 1975, lot 341; Dr. Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Collection, Dr. Jacob Hirsch Auction XVIII, May 27, 1907, lot 923
Description: The fourth of the "Five Good Emperors," Antoninus was born into a wealthy senatorial family and held numerous offices during the reign of Hadrian. When Hadrian's favorite Aelius died, Antoninus was chosen as Hadrian's heir, and was adopted near Hadrian's death on condition that he in turn adopt Lucius Verus, Aelius' son. Antoninus acquired the cognomen Pius after his accession to the throne, possibly because of his steadfast insistence that his adoptive father be deified, despite the fact that Hadrian had become quite unpopular in the Senate, largely as a result of numerous politically motivated prosecutions, and authoritative actions. During his reign, Antoninus never had reason to leave Italy as the Empire was mercifully free from significant insurrection and invasion. Antoninus was an able and impactful administrator. Under his reign, the treasury swelled, public works projects were expanded and freedman received the franchise. After an exceedingly long reign, Antoninus would die of illness, leaving the Empire in the hands of his two adopted sons, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.
The present piece was no doubt struck from dies carved by a skilled engraver. Antoninus' portrait in particularly is finely rendered, demonstrating none of the "bug-eyed" intensity that characterizes many of Antoninus' laureled portraits. The Reverse depicts the personification of Roma holding palladium, a popular motif in the imperial coinage and one shared by the aureus of Nero.