ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP TR P XVII, laureate head right / COS IIII, Annona standing left, holding corn-ears and placing left hand on modius set upon prow of galley. 17mm, 2.85 grams. Rome mint, minted 153-154 CE. RIC 231; RSC 291; BMCRE 809.

Antoninus Pius (86–161 CE) was Roman emperor from 138 to 161 and is remembered for one of the most peaceful and well-governed reigns in imperial history. Adopted by Hadrian and briefly holding the title Caesar, he succeeded as Augustus and ruled through careful administration, legal reform, and financial stability rather than military conquest. He maintained strong relations with the Senate, sponsored major public works including the Antonine Wall in Britain, and promoted social welfare and religious tolerance. Antoninus died in 161 and was succeeded by his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, leaving a reputation as a model of moderation, duty, and good governance.