Barbarous Issue ~ Antoninus Pius Prototype (2nd Century AD) ~ AR Denarius ~ NGC Choice Fine

NGC CERT #: 3998953-001

NGC DESCRIPTION: Barbarous Issue, c. 2nd Century AD, AR Denarius 2.94 grams, Prototype: Antoninus Pius, rv type of Hadrian

NGC GRADE: Choice Fine, Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5

ABOUT THE COIN:
A Denarius was the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction in the Second Punic War c. 211 BC to the reign of Gordian III (AD 238–244), when it was gradually replaced by the antoninianus. It continued to be minted in very small quantities, likely for ceremonial purposes, until and through the Tetrarchy (293–313).

Antoninus Pius (19 September 86 – 7 March 161) was Roman emperor from 138 to 161. He was one of the Five Good Emperors from the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. Born into a senatorial family, Antoninus held various offices during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. He married Hadrian's niece Faustina, and Hadrian adopted him as his son and successor shortly before his death. Antoninus acquired the cognomen Pius after his accession to the throne, either because he compelled the Senate to deify his adoptive father, or because he had saved senators sentenced to death by Hadrian in his later years. 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.

Barbarous radiates were issued privately primarily during the Crisis of the Third Century (c. 259–274 AD) in the western provinces. They are not generally regarded as forgeries since they were rarely deceptive because they were smaller and cruder than standard issues. They probably functioned as small change.

ABOUT NGC:
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