Antoninus Pius, as Augustus (AD 138-161). AV aureus (18mm, 6.94 gm, 11h). NGC AU 5/5 - 3/5, edge filing. Rome, AD 155-156. ANTONINVS AVG-PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head of Antoninus Pius right / TR POT XIX-COS IIII, Antoninus standing facing, head left, togate, globe with celestial bands in outstretched right hand, volumen in left. Calicó 1674. RIC III 256. Subtle flow lines radiate from well-executed portrait of the emperor, interspersed with gleams of lemon and amber. Unlike the restless Hadrian, Antoninus never left Italy and was content to rule from Rome. Stability and equanimity were his watchwords, and his policies kept the Empire on an even keel for 24 years. He put no one to death, friend or foe. Only minor flare-ups in northern Britain and north Africa disturbed the general peace. The frontiers were maintained and defended, with his decision to build a new wall in Britain 80 miles north of the Hadrian's Wall the only instance of imperial expansion. He carefully groomed Marcus Aurelius as his successor, but neglected to provide him any military training. In fact, the mild, civilian character of his reign may have unwittingly allowed storm clouds to gather and strengthen both within and beyond the frontiers. Nevertheless, later generations viewed Antoninus as the perfect emperor, and the tranquility of his reign took on the sheen of a lost golden age. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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