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Antoninus Pius

Imperator Caesar Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius

Reign 138 AD – 161 AD
Dynasty Nerva-Antonine
Born 86 AD
Died 161 AD

Antoninus Pius presided over the longest and most peaceful reign of the second century, never leaving Italy during his 23 years as emperor. His administration was characterized by fiscal prudence, legal refinement, and a quiet competence that earned him the cognomen 'Pius' for his devotion to duty and family.

Antoninus Pius represents the zenith of the Pax Romana: a prosperous, well-governed empire at peace. Edward Gibbon identified his reign as the period when the human race was 'most happy and prosperous,' the high-water mark of ancient civilization.

Key Events

138 AD Adopted by Hadrian; succeeded peacefully
139 AD Deification of Hadrian; Antoninus earned cognomen Pius for his insistence
142 AD Antonine Wall constructed in Scotland, briefly extending the British frontier
148 AD Celebrated the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome
161 AD Died peacefully at Lorium; succeeded by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus

Coinage

The coinage of Antoninus Pius is extensive and well-produced, reflecting the stability and prosperity of his reign. His 900th anniversary of Rome types and the Diva Faustina memorial issues for his deified wife are particularly notable for their artistic quality.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

  • 900th anniversary of Rome types (she-wolf, Aeneas)
  • Temple of Divus Augustus sestertius
  • Diva Faustina memorial issues
  • Britannia types

Common Reverses

ANTONINVS AVG PIVS COS IIII TRIB POT COS ANNONA AVG PAX AVG TRANQVILLITAS AVG ROMAE AETERNAE

Active Mints

Rome

Related Resources

Coin Catalog
Browse Antoninus Pius coin types in the catalog
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Further Reading

  • Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume III — Harold Mattingly & Edward A. Sydenham
  • Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume II — David R. Sear
← Predecessor Hadrian Successor → Marcus Aurelius