EMPEROR ANTONINUS PIUS Genuine Ancient Roman Bronze Coin 2nd cent. AD

This sterling silver pendant features an authentic Roman bronze coin portraying Antoninus Pius. The obverse bears his dignified portrait, reflecting the stability and prosperity of his reign.

The reverse of the coin depicts the goddess Fortuna, rather than another emperor. In Roman coinage, such imagery was highly symbolic and conveyed messages about divine favor and the well-being of the Empire.

Fortuna was one of the most important deities in Roman religion, embodying luck, fate, and destiny. She was often represented holding a cornucopia, symbolizing abundance, or a rudder, signifying her control over the course of human affairs. Her presence on coins issued under Antoninus Pius reflects the prosperity and stability of his reign, suggesting that the Empire was under the protection of favorable fortune. For Romans, Fortuna was both revered and feared, as she could bestow great success or sudden change, making her an especially powerful and meaningful figure to depict on currency.

Born into a senatorial family, Antoninus rose through the ranks under Hadrian and was later adopted as his successor. Upon Hadrian’s death, Antoninus in turn adopted Marcus Aurelius, ensuring the continuity of stable leadership within the Empire.

Although Marcus Aurelius initially felt reluctant toward imperial power, he ultimately accepted the role as a profound duty. Antoninus Pius, meanwhile, proved to be one of Rome’s most effective and benevolent rulers. His reign (138–161 AD) is remembered as a golden age of peace, with no major internal revolts and minimal military conflict.

He governed largely from Italy, focusing on administration, legal reform, and infrastructure. Notable achievements include the construction of the Antonine Wall in Britain and improvements in public welfare, including access to water and legal protections.

At his death in 161 AD, Antoninus left a strong and prosperous Empire, succeeded by Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as co-emperors.

Our jewelry store, Serra Roma, proudly presents an exquisite collection that beautifully honors the ancient traditions of Greek and Roman civilizations. Each piece in our collection, including authentic ancient Roman and Greek coins and intaglios, is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, providing proof of its historical significance and origin.