Lot 1231
Antoninus Pius. Gold Aureus (7.48 g), AD 138-161. Rome, AD 145-147. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, bare-headed and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius right. Rev. TR POT COS IIII, Roma seated left, holding palladium and spear; at her side behind, shield. (RIC 147; BMC 555; Calicó 1654c). Light graffito in obverse field, otherwise of fine style, lustrous and well struck in high-relief. Superb extremely fine. Estimate $20,000UP
Although the reverse type refers to the general greatness of Rome and her empire rather than to specific historical events, several notable developments took place during the fourth consulship of Antoninus Pius when this coin was struck. Most importantly, he elevated Marcus Aurelius to the position of Caesar and identified him as his intended successor. He also married his daughter, Faustina II, to Aurelius and made Aurelius his colleague in the consulship. During his fourth consulship, Pius also dedicated a temple to the divine Hadrian, who had previously adopted and trained him as successor to the imperial purple. With such forward-thinking emperors at the helm, Roma could securely sit on her throne without concern as she does here. She was in good hands for the moment.
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