Furryfrog02 Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 I think we are on Antoninus Pius based on @CPKs post a bit ago...I splurged on this guy a few weeks ago. I have decided to try and get an example of each emperor with a reverse featuring Victory in some manner. Well this guy came up and I couldn't say no: ANTONINUS PIUS AE sestertius. Struck circa 143-144 AD. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right. Reverse - IMPERATOR II, Victory flying right, holding trophy in both hands, SC in fields. RIC 717a. 33mm, 21.9g. 21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 2 hours ago, Severus Alexander said: One of my best portrait coins, I think: (As Caesar, RIC 452a Hadrian) That is absolutely extraordinary! Never mind Antoninus Pius - that may be the finest portrait coin I've seen of any emperor! 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted January 27, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) Before turning to Antoninus Pius, here's one more Hadrian I bought today at the new HJB buy-or-bid sale: I've always wanted a Hadrian sestertius, but they're usually rather expensive. This one is in mediocre enough condition that the price was reasonable. And there was something about the portrait, and the color, that I liked anyway: Edited January 27, 2023 by DonnaML 18 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Author Share Posted January 27, 2023 20 minutes ago, DonnaML said: Before turning to Antoninus Pius, here's one more Hadrian I bought today at the new HJB buy-or-bid sale: I've always wanted a Hadrian sestertius, but they're usually rather expensive. This one is in mediocre enough condition that the price was reasonable. And there was something about the portrait, and the color, that I liked anyway: That is a nice one - despite the honest wear - a crisp, well-centered strike, good strong portrait, and a gorgeous patina to boot! 👍 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted January 27, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) Now to Antoninus Pius. I don't have as many of his coins (especially Imperials) as I do of his two predecessors. But still quite a few! Here are some I like, in roughly chronological order, beginning with the Imperials. I have to put this aureus from AD 150-151 first for overall appeal, even though the portrait is rather worn. As I've explained in detail before, the reverse almost certainly depicts his daughter, the future Faustina II, and his granddaughter Lucilla, in the roles of Ceres and Proserpina (holding a pomegranate): This is an early denarius, that can serve both for Antoninus Pius and for Marcus Aurelius: Another relatively early denarius, depicting Apollo on the reverse. A. Pius looks rather young to me: Some years later, with Annona on the reverse: A couple of bronzes next: an as with an elephant reverse from AD 148 (issued for the games held to commemorate Rome's 900th anniversary), and a dupondius from AD 159-160 (with A. Pius looking rather elderly), depicting Pietas on the reverse, probably representing the future Faustina II and the Emperor's three granddaughters then living, namely Annia Faustina, Lucilla, and Fadilla. Divus Antoninus Pius, with the famous "wedding cake"-style funeral pyre on the reverse. My two Faustina I's, one lifetime and one posthumous Diva coin. Some Provincials when I can. Edited January 27, 2023 by DonnaML 12 1 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Collector Posted January 27, 2023 · Patron Share Posted January 27, 2023 Alright!! My beloved Antonines!! I obviously can't post all of 'em, but the object is to show your favorites! I'm going to show just one of each -- Antoninus Pius, a lifetime issue of his wife, Faustina I, and an issue of Faustina II struck under Antoninus Pius. The quality of the portraiture is very variable, and it's hard to find one that is truly fine style. I've chosen these because I think their style is exceptional for the period and because I love their patinas. Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161. Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.16 g, 29 mm. Rome, AD 142. Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head right. Rev: ANNONA AVG S C, Annona standing right, between modius and prow, holding corn ears and out-turned cornucopiae. Refs: RIC 597; BMCRE 1228; Cohen 37; RCV 4147; UCR 502. Faustina Senior, AD 138-140. Roman Æ as or dupondius, 12.03 g, 28.1 mm, 6 h. Rome, AD 139-140. Obv: FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII, bare-headed and draped bust, right. Rev: VENERI AVGVSTAE S C, Venus, standing right, drawing drapery from right shoulder with right hand and holding apple in left hand. Refs: RIC 1097; BMCRE 1132; Cohen 283; Strack 1224; RCV 4685; Hill UCR 155. Faustina II, AD 147-175. Roman orichalcum sestertius, 24.67 g, 31.1 mm, 7 h. Rome, mid 152- autumn 154. Obv: FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG·FIL·, bare-headed and draped bust right. Rev: CONCORDIA S C, Concordia seated left, holding flower and resting elbow on cornucopiae set on globe under chair. Refs: RIC 1374a; BMC 2175-76; Cohen 57; RCV 4713; Strack 1315. 14 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavius Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 Antoninus' reign was considered the best time to be alive, by Edward Gibbon. Most historians regard it as a time of peace, great prosperity, and a golden time of civilization. They also consider it boring. That gives one cause to pause. Here are... a denarius , five sestertii, and an As (which is my favorite portrait). My favorite reverse (by the way, that might make a good thread after we finish this one)is the triumphal chariot. 13 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapphnwn Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 Antoninus Pius Ar Denarius 159 AD Rv. Male togate figure standing left within tetrastyle shrine with semi circular arched roof, RIC 285 Sear 4077 This Coin Illustrated 3.10 grms 17 mm Photo by W. Hansen The subject of this reverse is very enigmatic and has been the subject of some scholarly debate. 19 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shea19 Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 My favorite portraits of A. Pius and the Mrs. : Divus Antoninus Pius (Died 161 A.D.), AR Denarius. Rome. Struck under Marcus Aurelius. (19mm, 3.26 g), DIVVS ANTONINVS, Bare head right of Divus Antoninus Pius to right/ Rev: CONSECRATIO. Eagle, with head left, standing right on altar. RIC 430 (Aurelius). Diva Faustina Senior, AR Denarius (17mm, 3.30 g). Rome mint. Draped bust right, wearing pearls bound on top of her head / Ceres standing left, holding grain ears and torch. RIC III 378 (Pius). I also really like the portrait style on this one (though it really could use a better photo): Antoninus Pius, AR Denarius (19mm, 3.83 g). Rome mint. Struck AD 150-151. Laureate head right / Bonus Eventus, naked, standing left, holding patera and two grain ears. RIC III 196. From the Phil Peck (Morris) Collection. 20 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) Here's my favourite imperial image of Antoninus Pius and still one of my most liked coins...Lovely green patina and proud portrait. Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. AE Dupondius (11.76 gm, 25.3mm). Rome mint. Struck 154-155 AD. Obv.. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVIII, radiate head right. Rev.. LIBERTAS COS IIII / S - C, Libertas with pileus and sceptre standing left. RIC 933....BMC 1469. gVF My favourite provincial.. Antoninus Pius, 138 - 161 AD Billon Tetradrachm, Egypt, Alexandria Mint, 23mm, 11.94 grams Obverse: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus right. Reverse: Genius reclining left holding reed and cornucopia from which emerges Nilus, crocodile below. Emmerr 1413.13 // Dattari 2294 // Koln 1594 // K&G 35.426 Edited January 27, 2023 by Spaniard 15 1 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambr0zie Posted January 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 27, 2023 My favorite Pius denarius has a cartoonish portrait Although worn, I love the portrait on this Sestertius (and the reverse too) Another favorite portrait Faustina I good portraits (at least in my opinion). I only have posthumous coins. 17 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanxi Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 Antoninus Pius (Reg. 138-161 AD) AR Denarius Obv.: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, laureate head right Rv: TR POT COS IIII, Liberalitas standing left, holding coin counter and cornucopiae, LIB IIII in exergue. Ag, 3.74g, 16mm Ref.: RIC 155, BMCRE 567, RSC 490a. 19 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc9 Posted January 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) My favorite Antoninus Pius coins, and Faustina I ( only divo coins ) ANTONINVS AVG — PIVS P P TR P XV : laureate head right COS IIII : veiled Vesta standing half-left, holding simpulum and Palladium RIC III 203 p.51, Rome, A.D. 151-152. AR Denarius ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP : drapped bust right, head bare TR POT COS IIII S|C, aeternitas facing, looking left, raising right hand and holding veil with left hand. RIC 832 p. 131 ( bare head not in RIC ), Rome, AD 240-144, As ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP IMP II : radiate head right TR POT XIX COS IIII :providentia stg. l. ,holding sceptre, hand over globe at feet S|C RIC III 953 p. 144, Rome,A.D.155-156, Dupondius DIVA – FAVSTINA : Draped bust r., hair waved and coiled on top of head AETER – NITAS : Providentia standing l., veil blown out behind head, holding globe RIC III 351 p. 70, Rome, after A.D.141, AR Denarius DIVA - FAVSTINA, Draped bust r., hair waved and coiled on top of head PIETAS AVG : Pietas, veiled, standing left, dropping incense on altar, and holding box. RIC III 394a , Rome, AD 141. AR Denarius Edited January 27, 2023 by mc9 15 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maridvnvm Posted January 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 27, 2023 One as Caesar:- Antoninus Pius Denarius (as Caesar) - For some reason this coin makes me think of Errol Flynn.... Emperor - movie star Obv:- IMP T AEL CAES ANTONINVS, Bare head right Rev:- TRIB POT COS, Minerva,standing left, holding Victory in right hand, left hand rests on shield on ground to side, spear rests on left arm Minted in Rome. February 25th to July 10th A.D. 138 Reference(s) - Cohen 1060. RIC II (Hadrian), p. 294 448 (C). BMC 1007 A random as Augustus Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, Laureate head right Rev: IMPERATOR II, Winged Caduceus between two crossed cornucopiae Minted in Rome. A.D. 143-144 Reference:- BMC 501. RIC III 112 (Rated Scarce). RSC 451 DIVVS Obv:- DIVVS ANTONINVS, bare head right, drapery on far shoulder Rev:- CONSECRATIO, four tiered funeral pyre surmounted by quadriga Minted in Rome. A.D. 161 Reference(s) - RIC III (Aurelius) 438, RSC 164a, BMC 60. RD (164) 16 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 My favorites: Despite the horrible photo, this is a magnificent coin in hand. Dark, almost black patina, with bronze colour on the high areas. This coin commemorates the 900th anniversary of Rome: 16 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanxi Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 Faustina I Faustina Senior Denarius after 141 Obv.: DIVA FAVSTINA, veiled bust right Rev.: AETERNITAS, Fortuna standing left, holding globe and rudder Ag, 3.43g, 18.6mm Ref.: RIC 348b, C 6, RCV 4577, CRE 97 [R] 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted January 27, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) Here's a countermarked example of a medium bronze from Laodicaea ad Mare, featuring a rather complex-coiffed Tyche with the city walls and buildings... Edited January 27, 2023 by Ancient Coin Hunter 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 Some wonderful portraits shown so far. This is one of mine Antoninus Pius, AE As. Rome 140-143 AD ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TRP COS III, laureate head right IMPERATOR II S-C, Libertas standing left, holding pileus (cap of freedom) and rod (vindicta). RIC. 738, Cohen 533 11.35 g. 27 mm 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor LONGINUS Posted January 27, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 27, 2023 (edited) Great APs folks ! Edited January 27, 2023 by LONGINUS 17 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jims,Coins Posted January 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted January 27, 2023 My Favorite Antoninus Pius and his Wife Silver coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome during the reign of ANTONINUS PIUS in 146 A.D. Obv. ANTONINVS.AVG.PIVS.P.P.: laur. hd. r. Rev. COS.IIII.: Clasped hands holding caduceus, sometimes winged, between two corn-ears. RCS #1237. RSCII #344 pg.175. RICIII #136 pg.43. DVM #18/20. RCVSII #4078 Silver coin (AR Denarius) minted at Rome for FAUSTINA I, Wife of ANTONINUS PIUS, in 141 A.D. Obv. DIVA.FAVSTINA.: dr. bust r. Rev. AETERNITAS.: Juno stg., front, hd. l., raising r. hand and holding sceptre. RCS #1348. RSCII #27 pg.191. RICIII # 345 pg.69. DVM #4/3. 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted January 27, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted January 27, 2023 I was surprised to discover that I don't have very many Antoninus Pius Provincials, and that the ones I do have are all from Roman Alexandria. These two probably have my favorite portraits. The fact that the first one is ex-Dattari Collection doesn't hurt its appeal for me! This one doesn't really look like the same person as the first two: This portrait is almost a caricature, but it's interesting nonetheless: Finally, this Zodiac drachm is in very poor condition, but I'm fond of it anyway: 17 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 23 hours ago, Severus Alexander said: One of my best portrait coins, I think: (As Caesar, RIC 452a Hadrian) OMG that's absolute wonder ! Q 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted January 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 27, 2023 My best portrait of his has to be that one Q 15 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapphnwn Posted January 28, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 28, 2023 Faustina Maior as Diva Ar Denarius 141-146 AD Obv. Bust right draped. Rv. Façade of the hexastyle Temple of Faustina. RIC 388 2.81 grms 17 mm Photo by W. Hansen The façade of this temple still exists within the Roman Forum Ihis is what it looks like now. And this is what it may have looked like when it was built and consecrated 18 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted January 28, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted January 28, 2023 Here's his beloved wife...Again one of my first ancient coins...Nice flow lines and I do like the ghostly depiction of Aerternitas on the reverse . Diva Faustina Sr, AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 18mm, 3.08 grams. DIVA-FAVSTINA, draped bust right AETER-NITAS, Aeternitas, standing front, facing left, holding globe, veil billowing out around her head and behind her. RIC 351, RSC 32, BMC 373 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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