Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 150-151 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC III#196, OCRE#ric.3.ant.196 |
| Obverse description | Head of Antoninus Pius, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XIIII (Translation: Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patriae, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta Decima. Antoninus Pius, emperor (Augustus) father of the nation, holder of tribunician power for the 14th time.) |
| Reverse description | Genius, standing left, holding patera in extended right hand and two corn-ears downwards in left. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
COS IIII (Translation: Consul Quartum. Consul for the fourth time.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (150-151) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1010722030 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver denarius, dated 150-151 AD, originates from the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD), a zenith of the Pax Romana. Pius, celebrated for his peaceful rule and administrative stability, solidified the Empire's prosperity. His "COS IIII" titulature, indicating his fourth consulship, places this coin in his later, well-established years. The issuance underscores an era of consolidated imperial power and the emperor's role as Rome's steadfast guardian.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the refined high imperial Roman style of the mid-2nd century AD. Though engravers are anonymous, mint output was consistently professional. The obverse features a dignified laureate portrait of Antoninus Pius, reflecting idealized realism. The reverse depicts Genius standing, holding a patera and cornucopia. This allegorical figure, symbolizing the protective spirit of Rome or the emperor's essence, is rendered with classical clarity, conveying themes of piety, abundance, and imperial prosperity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this denarius adheres to imperial specifications (3.2 grams, 18 millimeters). For grading, critical high-points on the obverse include the laurel wreath, hair, and highest facial contours. On the reverse, the head of Genius, the patera, cornucopia rim, and prominent drapery folds are key wear indicators. A superior strike exhibits full detail in these areas, strong relief, and minimal flan imperfections, typical of Roman minting quality under Antoninus Pius.