Coins of Continuity: Hadrian, Antoninus, and the Art of Succession
A Look at How Peaceful Transitions and Coinage Secured the Roman Empire’s Future
A Roman citizen holds a newly minted silver denarius, the profile of Emperor Hadrian prominent on one side. His bearded face is framed by the inscription “IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG,” proclaiming his status as imperator and Caesar. On the reverse, a seated figure holds a branch, symbolizing the prosperity and harmony Hadrian sought to maintain across the empire.
This coin was more than just currency; it was a message. In the Roman Empire, coins were a powerful tool for communicating the emperor’s vision, policies, and authority to the people. Hadrian, and later his successor Antoninus Pius, used coins to symbolize a seamless and stable transfer of power, projecting continuity and stability at a time when transitions often brought uncertainty and unrest.
The peaceful succession from Hadrian to Antoninus Pius was not just a stroke of political brilliance — it was also an idea carefully shaped and reinforced through the imagery on their coinage. These coins, circulating throughout the empire, reassured citizens that their leadership was steady, and the empire secure. By analyzing the symbols and inscriptions on their coins, we uncover how these two emperors worked to maintain peace and avoid the chaos that had so often followed imperial successions.
The Importance of Stability in Roman Succession
Roman history was often marked by tumultuous transitions of power. The assassination of Julius Caesar, the civil war after Nero’s suicide, and the chaotic “Year of the Four Emperors” in 69 AD are just a few examples of how imperial successions could tear the empire apart. Without a clear process for transferring power, the death of an emperor frequently left a vacuum, and would-be rulers scrambled to seize the throne. Assassinations, betrayals, and civil wars followed, destabilizing the empire and threatening its long-term survival.
By the time Hadrian came to power, Rome had seen more than its share of unrest following an emperor’s death. The need for a smooth, controlled succession was clear, but not always easy to achieve.
It was in this context that Hadrian, and later Antoninus Pius, emerged as part of a new tradition of emperors who placed stability and continuity above all else. They were part of the “Five Good Emperors” — a series of rulers who brought a period of relative peace and prosperity to Rome, largely due to their ability to secure stable transitions of power. This approach contrasted sharply with the violent and erratic successions that had come before.
Hadrian’s Goal: Securing the Future
Hadrian’s reign was largely defined by his efforts to consolidate and stabilize the vast Roman Empire. Unlike some of his predecessors, who sought to expand Rome’s borders through conquest, Hadrian focused on maintaining the territories Rome already controlled. His famous construction projects, such as Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, were aimed at fortifying the empire’s frontiers and consolidating its borders.
After about 20 years on the throne, Hadrian’s health begun to decline — so he turned his attention to ensuring the future of the empire. He had no biological children to pass his power to, which meant he needed to find a capable successor who would carry on his policies and maintain the stability he had worked so hard to create.
In choosing Antoninus Pius, Hadrian made a deliberate decision to avoid the chaos that so often followed an emperor’s death. Antoninus was known for his calm, steady demeanor and his commitment to continuity — exactly the qualities Hadrian believed would preserve the peace.
Hadrian’s adoption of Antoninus Pius was not just about finding a successor; it was about securing the future of Rome. By choosing someone who would faithfully continue his policies and avoid radical changes, Hadrian hoped to establish a model of succession that would ensure peace and stability for years to come. This forward-thinking approach would leave a lasting mark on the empire, allowing Rome to thrive under a peaceful, stable government.
Coins as Symbols of Power and Continuity
In the Roman Empire, coins were more than just currency; they served as a form of mass communication, spreading imperial messages across the provinces. Emperors used coins to project their authority, reinforce their legitimacy, and celebrate their achievements, whether in peace or war. The imagery and inscriptions on coins were deliberate choices, designed to remind every Roman citizen of their ruler’s power, values, and the stability they brought to the empire.
Coins reached all levels of Roman society, from wealthy elites to common citizens, making them an essential medium for spreading imperial messages.
Hadrian’s Coins: A Message of Consolidation
Hadrian’s denarius offers rich insight into the messaging of his reign. On the obverse, we see his portrait, bearded and composed, reflecting his image as a wise and stable leader. The reverse side of the coin features a seated figure of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, holding an olive branch — an emblem of prosperity and stability. This depiction aligns with Hadrian’s policies of consolidation and border security, emphasizing that his rule brought peace rather than conflict.
The inscription on the reverse reads: P M TR P COS III, which stands for Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestas, Consul Tertium. These titles translate to High Priest, holder of the Tribunician Power, and Consul for the third time. Each of these honors reinforced Hadrian’s role as the central figure in Roman governance, not just as an emperor but as the religious and political leader of the state. The titles were meant to remind the people of his extensive authority and his capacity to protect and guide the empire through peaceful governance.
Hadrian’s coinage thus projected an image of an emperor who valued stability above conquest. His coins acted as daily reminders to the Roman populace that the empire was in capable hands, and the peace he promoted was deeply embedded in the very symbols that represented his rule.
Antoninus Pius: The Continuation of Hadrian’s Vision
When Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius in 138 AD, it was not simply a personal decision but a carefully calculated political maneuver. Hadrian, knowing that his health was failing, needed to secure a successor who would continue his policies of peace and consolidation. Antoninus Pius was chosen for his steady hand, his loyalty to Hadrian’s vision, and his ability to command the respect of both the Senate and the Roman people.
The adoption itself was immortalized in the coins of Antoninus Pius. The image on the obverse of my coin shows Antoninus with a similar calm and composed profile as seen on Hadrian’s coins. The inscription reads ANTONINVS AVG PIVS, a shortened version of Antoninus Augustus Pius, reinforcing his legitimacy as the new Augustus and his connection to divine favor.
This act of adoption reassured the Roman populace that there would be no power struggle following Hadrian’s death. It also calmed the Senate, who feared the chaos of an uncertain succession. The coinage served as a tangible representation of this carefully orchestrated transition, ensuring that Antoninus was seen as the rightful, prepared leader of the Roman Empire.
Antoninus Pius’ Coins: Communicating Stability and Peace
The reverse of the coin in my collection shows a funerary altar, possibly a reference to Hadrian’s deification after his death. This image communicated a solemn sense of continuity between Hadrian and Antoninus. The funerary altar symbolized the reverence Antoninus had for his predecessor and his role as the faithful custodian of Hadrian’s legacy. The inscription DIVO PIO translates to “To the Divine Pius,” further emphasizing Antoninus’ devotion to Hadrian and the gods, reinforcing the sacredness of this transition.
This coin, like Hadrian’s, avoided any militaristic imagery. Instead, the focus was on peace, duty, and reverence for the past — values central to Antoninus Pius’ reign. The choice of the altar as a symbol reflects Antoninus’ desire to project piety (Pietas) and loyalty, virtues that were key to his rule. Through these images, Antoninus communicated that his reign would continue in the spirit of Hadrian’s — a peaceful, stable administration focused on the well-being of the empire.
By choosing imagery of harmony, reverence, and divine favor, Antoninus reassured the Roman Empire that he would uphold the peace and stability initiated by Hadrian, continuing the tradition of wise, deliberate governance.
Avoiding Unrest: Policies That Shaped the Empire
Hadrian’s Policies: Strengthening the Empire
Hadrian’s reign marked a significant shift in the Roman Empire’s approach to governance and territorial expansion. Unlike some of his predecessors, Hadrian focused on consolidating the empire’s existing territories rather than pursuing new conquests. His travels throughout the provinces allowed him to strengthen empire’s frontiers, most famously with the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in Britain, and fortify the empire’s borders from Gaul to the Middle East.
These policies of consolidation were also reflected in his administrative reforms. Hadrian aimed to enhance provincial governance, granting local authorities more autonomy while maintaining central control through a professionalized bureaucracy.
This approach helped stabilize Rome’s vast and diverse territories, allowing for smoother governance and reducing the likelihood of internal unrest or rebellion. By securing the borders and reinforcing internal administration, Hadrian ensured that the empire could function efficiently without the strain of continuous military campaigns.
Hadrian’s coins often mirrored these efforts. As we’ve seen in the depiction of Pax on his coin, the message of peace and stability was paramount. Such images reassured citizens and soldiers alike that the empire’s vast borders were under control, and that peace was the result of Hadrian’s vigilant leadership. The inscriptions emphasized his role as a Restorer of the World, solidifying the image of Hadrian as the protector of Roman peace and order.
Antoninus Pius’ Peaceful Reign
Antoninus Pius inherited an empire already stabilized by Hadrian’s reforms, and his reign continued in the same vein. For over two decades, Antoninus maintained peace across the Roman Empire, a period remarkably free of military conflict. His governance was marked by a focus on internal development rather than external conquest, emphasizing justice, civic improvement, and the well-being of the Roman people.
Unlike many other Roman emperors, his coinage contains little to no imagery of military triumphs or victorious generals. Instead, Antoninus’ coins project themes of prosperity, harmony, and piety. This is significant in an empire that had often glorified war and conquest. The absence of martial symbols in his coinage reinforced Antoninus’ reputation as a ruler who valued justice and internal strength over military glory. His reign was defined by the rule of law, fairness, and respect for tradition, qualities that were widely praised during his lifetime and beyond.
The coin in my collection, with its depiction of the funerary altar and the inscription DIVO PIO, further symbolizes Antoninus’ peaceful and pious nature. The image evokes reverence for his predecessor Hadrian and reflects Antoninus’ commitment to maintaining the peace Hadrian had achieved. By emphasizing continuity, Antoninus’ coins projected an empire at peace with itself, reinforcing the message that the stability of Rome was unshakable under his leadership.
This focus on peace also allowed the Roman economy to flourish during Antoninus’ reign. The absence of costly military campaigns meant that resources could be directed toward civic improvements, public works, and the maintenance of the empire’s infrastructure. The stability Antoninus promoted ensured that the Roman Empire could thrive internally, avoiding the unrest and instability that had plagued earlier periods of transition.
Continuing the Legacy: Antoninus’ Adoption of Marcus Aurelius
Antoninus, like Hadrian before him, was also forward-thinking in terms of succession. He followed Hadrian’s example by adopting Marcus Aurelius as his heir. This decision ensured that the policies of peace, stability, and wise governance would continue under Marcus’ reign.
Marcus Aurelius, known for his philosophical depth and dedication to maintaining stability, would later become one of Rome’s most respected emperors. His reign, though marked by military challenges, was a continuation of the principles set by both Hadrian and Antoninus, further cementing this period as one of the most prosperous and stable in Roman history.
Conclusion
Hadrian’s careful planning and Antoninus Pius’ steady leadership ensured one of the smoothest transitions of power in Roman history. By focusing on stability, consolidation, and the careful selection of a capable successor, both emperors helped avoid the civil unrest that had so often accompanied changes in leadership.
Throughout their reigns, coins served as powerful symbols of this continuity. The imagery and inscriptions found on the coinage of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius communicated to the Roman people that their empire was in safe hands.
The peaceful transition between Hadrian and Antoninus Pius, and later to Marcus Aurelius, left an enduring mark on the Roman Empire. Their legacy of wise leadership and careful planning allowed Rome to flourish without the disruptions of power struggles. By prioritizing continuity and stability, Hadrian and Antoninus Pius set a standard for future emperors, cementing their place as two of the most respected leaders in Roman history.
