Struck for Emperor Antoninus Pius during the reign ofMarcus Aureliusat the Rome Mint.
Historic issue authorized by Emperors Marcus AureliusandLucius Verusand the Roman Senate for thefuneral and deification of their adopted father Antoninus Pius.
RIC M431, RSC 155, approx. 19mm.
Certifiedby NGC to VF.
Obverse: DIVVS ANTONINVS, head right.
Reverse: CONSECRATIO, Eagle standing right, head left standing on altar decorated with garlands.
The Imperial cult of ancient Rome identified emperors and some members of their families with the divinely sanctioned authority (auctoritas) of the Roman State. A deceased emperor held worthy of the honor could bevoted a state divinity (divus) by the Senateand elevated as such in an act of apotheosis.