Roman Silver Denarius - Rome 146-161 AD - Antoninus Pius - Fortuna

Roman Silver Denarius - Rome 146-161 AD - Antoninus Pius - Fortuna

• Obverse: Veiled and draped bust of Diva Faustina Senior, facing right.
• Reverse: Fortuna standing facing, with her head turned to the left. She is depicted holding a globe in her right hand and a rudder in her left hand.
• Date: 146-161 AD
• Size: 18 mm, 2.89g
• Composition: Silver
• Reference: RIC III 348 (Pius); RSC 7
• Internal SKU: 139X896

HISTORICAL NOTE: The Roman Silver Denarius featuring Fortuna, struck during the reign of Antoninus Pius from 146 to 161 AD, epitomizes the Roman Empire's rich tradition of striking coins to commemorate deities and emperors alike. Antoninus Pius, known for his peaceful and prosperous reign, celebrated the goddess Fortuna, the personification of luck and fortune, on the obverse of this coin, which often depicted her holding a cornucopia and occasionally a rudder, symbolizing abundance and guidance. The reverse inscriptions and iconography reflect the emperor's efforts to project stability and continuity in an era following the tumultuous periods of civil strife. This denarius not only served as a medium of trade but also functioned as a political tool, spreading the emperor's virtues and the divine favor believed to protect the state and its prosperity. As a historical artifact, it provides valuable insight into the socio-political landscape of the Roman Empire at the zenith of its cultural and economic influence.