Roman Bronze Dupondius - Rome 138-161 AD - Antoninus Pius

• Date: 138-161 AD
• Size: 26 mm, 12.22 g
• Composition: Bronze
• Internal SKU: 87X403

HISTORICAL NOTE: Antoninus Pius (AD 138 - 161): Antoninus Pius, also known as Titus Fulvus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus, was the fifteenth Emperor of Rome. His reign is notable for the peaceful state of the Empire, with no major wars or revolts occurring during this time. Antoninus Pius also embarked on extensive building programs throughout the Empire. Antoninus Pius issued a variety of coin denominations, including the gold Aureus, the silver Denarius, and various bronze coins. His coins often featured his portrait on the obverse, with various designs on the reverse that commemorated his piety and dedication to Roman peace. The weight and purity of the coinage remained consistent during his reign, reflecting his stable and prosperous rule. Dupondius: The Roman dupondius was a brass coin introduced during the late Roman Republic and continued into the Imperial period. Initially minted in the mid-2nd century BCE, the dupondius was valued at two asses, serving as a mid-range denomination in the Roman currency system. It was easily identifiable by its weight and size, typically featuring the radiate crown on the emperor's portrait to distinguish it from the similarly sized as. Under the Roman Empire, the dupondius often displayed the reigning emperor's bust on the obverse, while the reverse featured various symbols, deities, or propaganda celebrating the emperor's achievements. These coins played a crucial role in everyday transactions and are significant for historians as they offer insights into the political and economic landscape of ancient Rome. The use of brass and detailed imagery also highlights the advanced metallurgical and artistic skills of Roman minting practices.