Antoninus Pius. AD 138–161. AV Aureus

Antoninus Pius. AD 138–161. AV Aureus (19 mm, 7.25 g, 6 h). Rome, AD 143–144. Obv. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III, laureate head of Antoninus Pius left. Rev. IMPERATOR II, Victory flying right, holding trophy with both hands. BMC 493; Calicó 1550; Cohen 432; RIC 109. An attractive aureus of fine style with a particularly elegant left-facing portrait. Minor edge knock, otherwise good very fine. Provenance: Ex - Stacks Coin Galleries, May 20, 1987. Lot 35, Peus 410–411 (31 October 2013), lot 412; Lanz 107 (5 January 2009), lot 107.

Struck early in the reign of Antoninus Pius, this handsome aureus commemorates the emperor’s second acclamation as Imperator, reflecting minor but symbolically important military successes achieved under his authority. The choice of a left-facing portrait is an appealing variation within the aureus series, allowing the engraver to explore a more sculptural presentation of the emperor’s features: serene, composed, and imbued with the moral gravitas that ancient writers consistently praised. On the reverse, Victory sweeps across the field with a captured trophy cradled in both hands, transforming the sometimes formulaic language of imperial triumph into a vivid and dynamic image. Under Antoninus Pius, overt militarism gave way to an emphasis on order, prosperity, and divine favour, and this aureus neatly encapsulates that balance: victory is celebrated, yet the portrait radiates calm stability rather than martial intensity. A well preserved and stylish example of the early gold coinage of one of Rome’s most admired emperors, further enhanced by its distinguished recent provenance.