Modern pendant with Antoninus Pius denarius

ITEM: Modern pendant with Antoninus Pius denarius
MATERIAL: Silver
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 32 mm x 25 mm
CONDITION: Good condition. Original coin within a modern handmade circular silver setting.
PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, acquired in the 1990s (Coin)

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Antoninus Pius (reigned 138–161 CE) was one of the "Five Good Emperors" of Rome, known for his stable and peaceful rule. He ascended to the throne after being adopted by Emperor Hadrian, fulfilling Hadrian’s wish for a smooth succession. Unlike his predecessors, Antoninus Pius did not lead any major military campaigns, instead focusing on consolidating and maintaining the empire’s borders through diplomacy and strategic defense. His reign was marked by economic prosperity, legal reforms, and a commitment to public works, including the construction of roads, aqueducts, and temples. One of his notable achievements was the construction of the Antonine Wall in Britain, further reinforcing Roman control in the north.

Antoninus Pius was a deeply conservative ruler who respected Roman traditions and institutions. He worked closely with the Senate, maintaining stability in government and avoiding political purges or unnecessary conflicts. His legal reforms focused on improving the rights of slaves and provincial subjects, ensuring fairer trials and better legal protections. Despite the lack of military conquests, his administration strengthened the empire’s infrastructure, and his policies helped secure long-term economic stability. His reign saw the expansion of Roman law and a continued emphasis on Greek and Roman cultural values, reinforcing the intellectual and artistic achievements of the period.

Upon his death in 161 CE, Antoninus Pius was deified by the Senate, and his adopted sons, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, succeeded him as co-emperors. His long and uneventful rule is often regarded as the peak of Pax Romana, the period of relative peace and stability across the empire. Unlike later emperors, who faced crises and invasions, Antoninus Pius governed during a time of internal strength, leaving behind a legacy of administrative efficiency, legal advancements, and architectural achievements.