Ancients Antoninus Pius, as Caesar (AD 138-161). AV aureus (18mm,

Ancients
Antoninus Pius, as Caesar (AD 138-161). AV aureus (18mm, 6.85 gm, 6h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 3/5, edge scuffs. Rome, August-December AD 138. IMP T AEL CAES HA-DRI ANTONINVS, bare head of Antoninus Pius right / AVG PIVS P M-TR P COS DES II, Pietas standing right, veiled, acerra in outstretched left hand, sprinkling incense with right hand over lighted and garlanded altar to right. Calicó 1469. RIC III 13a. Strong depictions on velvety flan with radiant flow lines.

This aureus was struck between the death of Hadrian (10 July AD 138) and Antoninus's assumption of the titles Augustus and Pius, and the beginning of his second consulship on 1 January AD 139. It is commonly asserted, based on the biography of Antoninus in the Historia Augusta, that Antoninus engaged in a lengthy negotiation over the deification of his predecessor Hadrian with a recalcitrant Senate, which was upset by Hadrian's executions toward the end of Hadrian's reign and more inclined to issue a Damnatio against his name. Antoninus is said to have refused the title of Augustus and threatened to abdicate his position as Caesar unless the deification was carried out; the Senate, concerned over a possible civil war, finally relented. Mindful of Antoninus's efforts on behalf of his adoptive father, the Senate granted him the honorific Pius ("dutiful"). This aureus, which immediately followed coins struck by Antoninus as Caesar lacking the title Augustus, seems to confirm that he accepted the titles Augustus and Pius simultaneously, as they are both noted in the reverse legend. However, he is still listed as COS DES II ("designated Consul for the second time"): Although now emperor, he refused to "jump the gun" by assuming the consulship before 1 January of the new year, pointing to his punctiliousness in observing the Republican traditions.

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