Ancient Rome - Antoninus Pius Sesterius - Circa (138-161) AD

Denomination:  AE Sesterius                                                            

Mint: Rome

Date:  138-161 AD  

Mount: Sterling Silver 

Description: Antoninus Pius Sestertius, 153-154 AD. Obverse:  ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVII. Laureate bust draped right, horn over forehead. Reverse:  / INVICTVS SACERDOS AVG, Elagabalus standing facing, head left, holding patera.

History: Antoninus Pius; Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Augustus Pius; (19 September 86 – 7 March 161), also known as Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 138 to 161. He was one of the five good Emperors in the Nerva–Antonine dynasty and the Aurelii.

Born into a senatorial family, Antoninus held various offices during the reign of emperor Hadrian, who adopted him as his son and successor shortly before his death. Antoninus acquired the cognomen Pius after his accession to the throne, either because he compelled the Senate to deify his adoptive father, or because he had saved senators sentenced to death by Hadrian in his later years. 

His reign is notable for the peaceful state of the Empire, with no major revolts or military incursions during this time, and for his governing without ever leaving Italy. A successful military campaign in southern Scotland early in his reign resulted in the construction of the Antonine Wall. Antoninus was an effective administrator, leaving his successors a large surplus in the treasury, expanding free access to drinking water throughout the Empire, encouraged legal conformity, and facilitated the enfranchisement of freed slaves. 

Antoninus Pius was widely known for his admiration to his wife Faustina.  Whom he built a temple for.  He also minted elaborate silver and gold coins in the name of his wife Faustina, adding the word “diva” to the coins after her death.

He died of illness in 161 and was succeeded by his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as co-emperors.

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