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Aureus (Coin) Portraying Emperor Antoninus Pius

A work made of gold.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of gold.

Date:

138

Artist:

Roman; minted in Rome

About this artwork

Starting in 96 with the reign of Emperor Nerva, Rome was ruled by five wise leaders who came to be known as the “Good Emperors.” Nerva (reigned 96–98) was an honest and respected senator who enacted compassionate social programs. His rule ushered in a period of peace and prosperity, which is suggested by the sheer abundance of coins produced during this era as well as by the skill and artistry of the images created. Coins of this period, especially gold aurei like this one, were often perfectly round, well struck, and centered.

Antoninus Pius (reigned 138–61), continued the wise and caring example of Nerva which is reflected in his nickname, Pius, meaning “pious.” Able to maintain peace through the strength of the Army, Rome was strong and prosperous under Antoninus’s firm rule.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium

Artist

Ancient Roman

Title

Aureus (Coin) Portraying Emperor Antoninus Pius

Place

Roman Empire (Minted in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

138 CE

Medium

Gold

Inscriptions

Obverse: IMP T AEL CAES HADRI ANTONINVS Reverse: AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DES II

Dimensions

Diam.: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. William Nelson Pelouze

Reference Number

1923.1271

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/10006/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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