Antoninus Pius was Roman emperor from AD 138 to 161, widely regarded as one of the “Five Good Emperors.” His reign marked a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire. He was known for effective administration, expansions in infrastructure, and cultural patronage. He was also notable for being adopted by Hadrian as his successor and for his piety—earning the cognomen “Pius” by persuading the Senate to deify Hadrian and for his overall dutiful nature to the state.

A silver AR Denarius issued during the reign of Antoninus Pius around AD 148-149 is an important Roman coin reflecting the emperor’s image and propaganda. These denarii typically weigh around 3.45 grams and measure approximately 17 mm in diameter. The obverse of the coin commonly depicts Antoninus Pius’s laureate head facing right with the inscription around it reading “ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII,” which refers to his titles and powers at the time.

The reverse of coins from this period often features various allegorical or religious personifications. For the 148-149 denarius, a frequent reverse type shows Annona, the deity symbolizing the grain supply and prosperity of Rome, standing and holding ears of grain above a modius (grain measure) in one hand and an anchor in the other, symbolizing stability and sustenance. The reverse inscription typically includes “COS IIII” indicating Antoninus’s fourth consulship.

These coins reflect both the emperor’s image and the Roman state’s emphasis on peace, prosperity, and divine favor during Antoninus Pius’s peaceful reign. Collectors highly prize such denarii for their historical significance, artistic detail, and preservation of Roman imperial iconography.

In summary, the Antoninus Pius AR Denarius struck at Rome in AD 148-149 features the emperor’s laureate bust on the obverse and Annona on the reverse, symbolizing prosperity and grain supply. It stands as a fine example of Roman silver coinage from a remarkably stable and well-regarded imperial period.