| In past weeks we have seen coins of Caesars Constantine I and Maximinus II who were offered the 'intermediate' rank of Filius Augustorum but considered themselves already worthy of being full Augusti. The other 'side' of this coin was shown when the Caesar Antoninus Pius hesitated to assume the title of Augustus upon the death of his adoptive father Hadrian. When offered the position of adoption as Caesar by the childless Hadrian, Antoninus had not been quick to accept. The final step was to be taken only under his own terms. This hesitation was not a matter of modesty but a political manipulation as part of a dispute with the Senate. Antoninus Pius had filled in as Emperor during the extended final illness of Hadrian. His position as the eventual successor was not really in question. The Senate declined to ratify Hadrian's acts and to declare him a god as was the common practice with 'good' Emperors who died. During his reign, Hadrian had executed some Senators and was generally disliked by members of that body. After a period of negotiations during which Rome was left without an Augustus, the Senate relented, Hadrian was deified and Antoninus accepted the title of Augustus. Had Antoninus stepped aside, the Senate probably feared a coup by a military leader. He was in a position to demand the compliance of the Senators.
Our second coin (right) with reverse Aequitas shows the results of Antoninus' victory. The title Augustus now appears on the coin but only on the reverse. Also added is the title Pontifex Maximus and notice that Antoninus had been designated to hold a second Consulship beginning at the start of 139 AD. The other reverse addition is the title Pius, awarded in recognition of his persevering dedication to the memory of Hadrian. The obverse also was changed to include mention of Hadrian (as his adoptive father) but this was soon dropped as part of Pius' campaign to improve relations with the Senate.
Beginning collectors should note that other emperors later used the name Antoninus Pius. In fact coins bearing these two words together are never the 'real' Antoninus Pius. His coins usually show the formula 'Antoninus Augustus Pius'. A man of middle age at the time of his ascension, Pius is easily distinguished from the younger Caracalla and Elagabalus who bore his name. |
Our footnote coin this week shows the improvement of relations by 140 AD. The reverse show a personification the Genius of the Senate. The obverse legend (ANTONINVS AVG PI-VS PP TRP COS III) was changed to delete Hadrianus, the name taken by Antoninus as part of his adoption. Also added to the obverse is PP for Pater Patriae, Father of his Country. As was common practice, Pius had declined this great honor at the start of his reign only to accept it shortly thereafter. This modesty was part of the statesmanship expected of a Roman Emperor in the second century. Note that the portrait now bears the laurel wreath. Hadrian was dead and deified; Pius was fully in control both in name and in fact. His reign was mostly peaceful and well administered. Compared to the chaos that was to come, Pius' reign was a bit boring in the best sense of the word. 