ANTONINUS PIUS
AD 138-161
AR Denarius. 3.20g, 19.5mm
MINTED: Rome mint, AD 138
REF: RIC 9 var. (rev legend)
OBVERSE: IMP T AEL CAES HADRI ANTONINVS, bare head right.
REVERSE: AVG PIVS P M TR P COS DE (sic!) II, Minerva standing left, holding Victory in her right hand and shield with her left; spear leaning on her left arm.

Notes:
Pleasant, light iridescent tone.  A few edge splits.  Handsome portrait, a well-detailed reverse, and an interesting inscription error (DE instead of DES).  
Struck in the first year of Pius's reign . 
 
Historical Notes:
Antoninus Pius ruled for 23 years and is counted amongst the 'Five Good Emperors' of Rome during the 2nd century AD.  Even though he was not the first (or even second) choice of his predecessor Hadrian to succeed him, the 52-year old Pius was widely respected by his colleagues in the Senate and as emperor would become very popular with the people. 
 
His reign was a time of peace and prosperity for the empire, and he was himself an intelligent, moderate, and fair-minded ruler.  Pius enacted laws that protected slaves and exercised clemency against those who spoke or plotted against him.  He also avoided heavily taxing the people, and carefully managed the state finances. His death of natural causes in 160 at the age of 75 was cause for great mourning amongst the people.