Divus Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161). AR denarius (18mm, 6h). NGC VF. Rome, after AD 161. DIVVS ANTONINVS, bare head of Antoninus Pius right / CONSECRATIO, four tiered ustrinum (or pyre) - the lowest most of which represents a plain podium with three small festoons, two large festoons, and the profile of a festoon at each end; the next tier forms the sepulchral chamber for the reception of the deceased, in the center is a pair of paneled folding doors, flanked by two niches on each side with statues and surmounted by a cornice; the tier above has three niches with statues and a cornice; and the upper forms a lofty plain attic with hanging drapery in front, a lit torch flanks each end of the upper tier, which forms a pedestal surmounted by the quadriga of the deceased; all the tiers diminish in width from the base upwards so as to assume a pyramidal form. RIC III (Marcus Aurelius) 438.

HID09801242017

© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website