The LYCAONIA, Iconium Æ18 coin of Antoninus Pius, dated AD 138-161 and NGC certified, is a bronze provincial coin struck in the ancient city of Iconium in Lycaonia (modern-day Konya, Turkey). Iconium was a significant city in Asia Minor known historically as a center of commerce, culture, and early Christianity—it is also noted as a city visited by Paul the Apostle during his missionary journeys.

The obverse of this coin typically features a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Emperor Antoninus Pius facing right, inscribed with “ANTONINVS PIVS AVG,” emphasizing his authoritative imperial portrait. The reverse often depicts a helmeted and draped bust of Athena facing right, labeled “COL ICO,” identifying the colony of Iconium. Athena symbolizes wisdom, warfare, and protection, reflecting the city’s cultural values and strategic importance.

This Æ18 coin generally weighs around 3.1 to 4.1 grams and measures about 18 mm in diameter, showing the typical provincial bronze coin standards of the Roman Empire during Antoninus Pius’s reign. These coins served not only as currency but also propagated imperial imagery and local pride across the provinces.

The NGC certification attests to the coin’s authenticity and condition, providing collectors with confidence in its provenance and preservation. As a provincial coin, it offers valuable insight into the imperial reach and local identities within the Roman Empire, illustrating the blend of Roman authority and native symbolism.

In summary, this Antoninus Pius Æ18 from Iconium in Lycaonia is a genuine and historically significant piece reflecting the emperor’s reign and the cultural heritage of a prominent Anatolian city under Roman rule.The LYCAONIA, Iconium Æ18 coin of Antoninus Pius, dated AD 138-161 and NGC certified, is a bronze provincial coin minted in Iconium, located in ancient Lycaonia (modern-day Konya, Turkey). Iconium was a significant city in Asia Minor known for its rich history and as a site visited by Paul the Apostle.