Antoninus Pius
Imperator Caesar Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius
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
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 distinguished for their artistic quality.
Denominations
Notable Types
- 900th anniversary of Rome types (she-wolf, Aeneas)
- Temple of Divus Augustus sestertius
- Diva Faustina memorial issues
- Britannia types
Common Reverses
Active Mints
Collecting Guide
Antoninus Pius offers a long, consistent series from a single mint (Rome) with relatively few surprises, well suited to methodical collectors who appreciate completeness over drama. The 23-year reign produced an enormous volume of coinage, making common denarii readily available. A natural collecting strategy is to track the annual COS designations (COS II through COS IIII) and tribunician power numbering, assembling a dated sequence of portrait and reverse types. The Diva Faustina commemorative series, issued after the death of the empress Faustina I, is a popular subset with attractive reverses. The sestertii of Antoninus Pius include some of the most accomplished portrait work of the second century, and his later portraits with the lined, aged face are particularly fine. The standard reference is RIC III.
Market Overview
Antoninus Pius denarii are among the most affordable of the 'good emperors,' with common types in VF available for $60–200. This makes him an excellent starting point for collectors working within a budget. Sestertii range from $150–800 for average examples, with sharply struck portraits commanding premiums. Diva Faustina commemorative denarii are slightly more expensive at $80–250 due to collector demand. Gold aurei start around $4,000 for common types. The market is steady rather than exciting, prices have been stable for years, which suits long-term collectors building comprehensive sets rather than speculators.
Related Resources
Further Reading
- Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume III,
- Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume II,