Denarius (Coin) Portraying Emperor Antoninus Pius

The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the head of Emperor Antoninus Pius, laureate and facing to the right. The back (reverse) depicts Vesta standing to the left and holding a simpulum (ladle with long handle) and palladium (ancient image of the goddess Pallas Athena that was believed to guarantee the safety of Troy). After Emperor Antoninus Pius accepted his fourth (and final) consulship in 145, the inscription COS IIII appears on the back of all his coins.