Romanorum banner

Antoninus Pius

T. Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus Pius

Dynasty: Adoptive and Antonine Dynasty

Augustus (AD 138-161)

Born at Lanuvinium in AD 86 Pius was the son Aurelius Fulvus and Arria Fadilla, both of consular stock. He married Faustina the elder, was the father of Faustina the younger, and father-in-law of Marcus Aurelius. He was brought up by his grandfather, a friend of the younger Pliny. Before becoming emperor he enjoyed a senatorial career and had a considerable reputation as a man of integrity albeit enormously wealthy. His reign was one of tranquillity and prosperity. His coinage reflects these themes, together with emphasis on recalling Roman tradition (via the foundation myths) and on the establishment of the Antonine dynasty


Obverse Legends on coins depicting Antoninus Pius

For explanations of many of the abbreviations used in Roman imperial obverse legends, click here.


Coins of Antoninus Pius currently available

Coin image Antoninus Pius
Bronze dupondius issued AD 140-144
Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P COS III, Radiate head right
Rev: SALVS AVG SC, Salus, draped, standing, left feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar and holding vertical sceptre in left
Fine-Very Fine   |   AUD $80.00
Coin image Antoninus Pius
Bronze sestertius issued AD 161
Obv: DIVVS ANTONINVS, Head of Antoninus Pius, bare, right
Rev: CONSECRATIO S C, Pyre in four tiers, decorated with swagged hangings and garlands, surmounted by facing quadriga
Good Fine   |   AUD $220.00
Coin image Antoninus Pius, Syria, Zeugma
Bronze AE20 issued AD 161-180
Obv: M AYP ..., Radiate head facing right
Rev: ZЄYΓMA TЄꞶN Γ, Inscription within wreath
Good Fine   |   AUD $60.00