Bronze as of Antoninus Pius (AD 138–161) struck at the Rome mint in AD 148–149, belonging to a series of issues associated with the celebrations of the 900th anniversary of the foundation of Rome, commemorated in AD 148 (ab urbe condita). These festivities were marked by extensive public spectacles and games organized under imperial patronage, and the coinage of the period reflects these events through a number of distinctive reverse types.
The obverse displays the laureate head of the emperor facing right with the legend ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII, containing part of the official titulature of the ruler. The reference to the twelfth tribunician power (TR P XII) allows the issue to be dated to AD 148–149, while the title Pater Patriae emphasizes Antoninus Pius’ role as protector of the Roman state and a continuator of the stable policies established by his Antonine predecessors.
The reverse shows an elephant walking to the right with the legend MVNIFICENTIA AVG, while the exergue bears COS IIII, referring to the emperor’s fourth consulship. The depiction of an elephant belongs to a group of iconographic types connected with the organization of public games and spectacles, which according to ancient sources, including later historical compilations such as those attributed to Aurelius Victor, were celebrated with exceptional magnificence during the anniversary festivities of AD 148. Exotic animals, including elephants, were commonly featured in Roman venationes and ceremonial processions, and their appearance on coinage served as a visual reference to the lavish entertainments provided for the Roman populace.
The legend MVNIFICENTIA AVG directly refers to the emperor’s generosity and munificence, highlighting his role as the benefactor and organizer of costly public spectacles. This type belongs to the best-known coin issues of Antoninus Pius associated with the anniversary celebrations of Rome and serves as a numismatic expression of imperial propaganda emphasizing the splendor of the festivities and the prosperity of the empire during the mid-second century AD.
Roman Imperial
Antoninus Pius (138-161), As 148-149, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate head right
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XII
Reverse: elephant advancing right, COS IIII / SC in exergue
MVNIFICENTIA AVG
Diameter 26 mm, weight 9.92 g
