Obverse: Head of Antoninus Pius, facing right. Legend: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III.
Reverse: Genius of the Roman people, standing front, head right, holding a vertical scepter in the right hand and a cornucopia in the left. Legend: GENIVS POP ROMANI.
Antoninus Pius was consul in the year 120 and, subsequently, proconsul of the province of Asia. Upon his return to Rome, Hadrian adopted him on February 25, 138; he ascended the throne following Hadrian's death on July 2, 138. He died on March 7, 161, and was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius, whom he had adopted.
He earned the title "Pius", meaning dutiful and respectful, for two reasons: by threatening the Senate with his resignation if they did not deify Hadrian, and secondly, as Hadrian had desired, by adopting the young Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius at the start of his reign. He presided over the most peaceful reign of any emperor, ruling wisely and compassionately. He established charitable organizations, built public works for his people, and introduced laws such as "innocent until proven guilty." Some historians have argued that this period may represent the greatest collective human happiness in a given time in history.
- Composition: Silver
- Denomination: Denarius
- Date: 138–161 A.D.
- NGC Certified: 8229153012
