Denarius - Antoninus Pius (AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DES II; Minerva and Victory) (138) front Denarius - Antoninus Pius (AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DES II; Minerva and Victory) (138) back
Denarius - Antoninus Pius (AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DES II; Minerva and Victory) (138) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Denarius - Antoninus Pius AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DES II; Minerva and Victory

138 year
Silver 3.1 g 17 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
138
Value
1 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.1 g
Diameter
17 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#259736
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding Victory on right hand and resting left on shield set on ground; spear rests against left arm.

Script: Latin

Lettering: AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DES II

Translation:
Augustus Pius, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Designatus Secundum.
Emperor (Augustus) [Antoninus] Pius, high priest, holder of tribunician power, consul elect for the second time.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.795–3.5 g;
Diameter varies: 16–18 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, on one side, and Victory on the other. This symbolizes the dual nature of Antoninus Pius' reign, which was marked by both military victories and a focus on cultural and intellectual pursuits.