- Very Fine Roman Empire silver denarius coin.
- Struck for Emperor Antoninus Pius during the reign of Marcus Aurelius at the Rome Mint.
- Historic issue authorized by Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus and the Roman Senate for the funeral and deification of their adopted father Antoninus Pius.
- RIC M438, RSC 164a, approx. 18mm.
- Certified by NGC to VF.
- Obverse: DIVVS ANTONINVS, draped bust right.
- Reverse: CONSECRATIO, Pyramidal Crematorium (pyre) of four tiers with quadriga on top.
- An rare detailed funeral pyre depicting: garlands, torches, statues and quadriga.
- 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 be voted a state divinity (divus) by the Senate and elevated as such in an act of apotheosis.
- Funeral pyre depicted on ancient coins symbolizes the deification of an emperor or family member. It signifies that the deceased ruler has completed their earthly life, been elevated to the ranks of the gods, and is officially recognized as a divine being. The Roman funeral pyre depicted on ancient coins symbolizes the deification of an emperor or imperial family member. It signifies that the deceased ruler has completed their earthly life, been elevated to the ranks of the gods, and is officially recognized as a divine being. The intricate, tiered tower shown on the coins represents the wooden funeral pyre built for cremation. It was often decorated with garlands, torches, and statues. The top of the pyre frequently shows the deceased emperor or empress seated on a quadriga (a four-horse chariot) or riding an eagle. Coins bearing this design generally feature the inscription CONSECRATIO, which translates to "consecration" or "dedication to the gods".
You might also like
Regular price
$225.00
— Sold Out
