Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) ~ BI Tetradrachm ~ NGC Choice Very Fine

NGC CERT #: 2117169-006

NGC DESCRIPTION: BI Tetradrachm, Year 3

NGC GRADE: Choice Very Fine

ABOUT THE COIN:

A BI Tetradrachm is a billon coin minted in Antioch, Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, and Antiochia ad Orontem between 248 and 249 AD. The coin features a bust of Philip II on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

Antoninus Pius ruled from 138-161 AD and was considered one of the Five Good Emperors.  His reign is notable for the peaceful state of the Empire, with no major revolts or military incursions during this time. A successful military campaign in southern Scotland early in his reign resulted in the construction of the Antonine Wall. Antoninus was an effective administrator, leaving his successors a large surplus in the treasury, expanding free access to drinking water throughout the Empire, encouraging legal conformity, and facilitating the enfranchisement of freed slaves. He died of illness in 161 and was succeeded by his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as co-emperors.

ABOUT NGC:

NGC is the world's largest third-party coin grading service, offering accurate, consistent and impartial assessment of a coin's authenticity and grade. NGC graded coins can be verified via this website: https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/.