Roman Bronze As - Rome 138-161 - Antoninus Pius - Pax

Roman Bronze As - Rome 138-161 - Antoninus Pius - Pax

• Obverse: Laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
• Reverse: Pax standing left, holding a branch in one hand and a cornucopia in the other.
• Date: 138-161
• Size: 26 mm, 8.32 g
• Composition: Bronze
• Reference: Cf. RIC III 567
• Internal SKU: 139X887

HISTORICAL NOTE: The Roman Bronze As minted during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) is a notable example of imperial propaganda and numismatic artistry. This coin typically features a portrait of Antoninus Pius on the obverse, adorned with a laurel wreath, symbolizing his authority and divine favor. The reverse often depicts the personification of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, either standing or seated, holding a branch or patera, which emphasizes the era's relative stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire. This iconography reflects the Emperor’s policies aimed at maintaining peace and prosperity, particularly after the tumultuous times of his predecessors. With Antoninus Pius being one of the "Five Good Emperors," the As serves not only as currency but also as a medium through which the ideals of his governance (tranquility, order, and benevolence) were communicated to the people of Rome and its territories. The bronze coin is a testament to the socio-political context of its time, encapsulating the values and aspirations of a prosperous empire.