Description:
This denarius coin was minted in Rome during the rule of Antoninus Pius, who was Roman Emperor from AD 138 to 161. He was given the name Pius due to his insistence that the senate deify his adoptive father, the previous emperor, Hadrian. His reign was one of the most peaceful in the history of the empire, with no major incursions or revolts taking place.
Antoninus was known for being a very skilled administrator and builder. His accomplishments include the enfranchising of freed slaves, the presuming of innocence until proven guilty, and conforming local laws to Roman law. He was beloved by many due to his policy of suspending the collection of taxes from cities recently affected by natural disasters. Antoninus constructed aqueducts, roads and bridges throughout the empire. He also oversaw the construction of the Antonine Wall in 142 at the northern frontier of Roman Britain. Despite this, he still left his successors a large surplus in the treasury and today he is remembered as one of the Five Good Emperors.
The obverse side of this ancient silver coin features the laureate head of Antoninus Pius. The reverse shows Aequitas standing, while she is holding scales and a cornucopia, which was a symbol of "honest measure." To the Romans, the goddess Aequitas was the divine personification of justice and equality. Aequitas is the origin of the English word "equity."
