★ NGC Ch MS & Ex NAC 6, 1993 ★

ROMAN EMPIRE. Antoninus Pius.
Gold Aureus, AD 148-149. Rome.
Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, laureate head right. Rev: COS IIII, Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales and cornucopiae.

Fleur De Coin; virtually as struck - previously graded NGC Ch MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5 (cert: 6830208-005).

Serving his third consulship during the years AD 148-149, Antoninus Pius was celebrating a significant milestone: the 900th anniversary of the founding of Rome. This event, known as the Ludi Saeculares, was marked by elaborate games, public festivities, and religious ceremonies throughout the empire. Pius used this occasion to reinforce the stability and prosperity of his reign, which was characterised by peace and economic stability. Indeed, during 148-149 (and for large parts of his rule) Pius, rather than seeking territorial conquests, concentrated on consolidating Rome’s existing borders and improving the internal infrastructure of the empire. His administration was marked by reforms in legal and fiscal policy, aimed at ensuring the fair treatment of citizens and the efficiency of governance.

Pius also invested heavily in public works, building roads, aqueducts, and temples, which not only improved the daily lives of Roman citizens but also strengthened the emperor's image as a benefactor of the people. He was particularly attentive to the provinces, ensuring that they were well-governed and protected. Culturally, Pius - as with his recent predecessors and immediate successor - was a great patron of the arts and philosophy, promoting intellectual pursuits that flourished during his reign. He maintained close relationships with leading Stoic philosophers and encouraged the moral and ethical principles of Stoicism, which emphasised duty, self-control, and the welfare of the state. This contributed to a perception of Pius as a just and virtuous ruler, cementing his legacy as one of the "Five Good Emperors".

Ex Maison Palombo, Auction 18 (17/11/2019), lot 65; ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 6 (25/2/1993), lot 439.

Reference: RIC III-177d; BMCRE-649; Biaggi-703 var. (bust type); Calicó-1502a.
Rarity: Scarce.
Die Axis: 6h.
Diameter: 19 mm.
Weight: 7.27 g.