Struck for Emperor Antoninus Pius during the reign ofMarcus Aurelius at 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 M441, RSC 357, approx. 18mm.
Certifiedby NGC to XF.
Obverse: DIVVS ANTONINVS, head right.
Reverse: DIVO PIO, square altar with decorated side.
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.