Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Medallion (Orichalcum, 40 mm, 39.45 g, 1 h), Rome, 140-144. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. TR POT COS III / ITALIA Italia seated left on globe, wearing mural crown, holding cornucopiae with her right hand and long scepter with her left. Banti -. Cohen -. Gnecchi II, p. 12, 29 and pl. 45, 10 var. (but with a differing bust type). Extremely rare, and with a beautiful light, olive-green patina. Remains of corrosion, especially on the edges, and with minor cracks in the patina, otherwise, good very fine.
From the collection of Martin Armstrong, Classical Numismatic Group E-271, 11 January 2012, 80, ex Numismatica Ars Classica I, 19 May 1999, 2002.
This large and impressive piece displays the personification of Italia on its reverse; her appearance here, as well as on contemporary denarii and aes issues, was a way of emphasizing the empire's historic core after the many issues of Hadrian, and those of Pius himself, celebrating the provinces.