1 Denarius Roman Empire (27BC-395) Silver Antoninus Pius (86-161)

Divus Antoninus Pius, AR Denarius, After 161, Rome

DIVVS ANTONINVS

Bare head right, seen from behind, drapery on both sides of left shoulder

CONSECRATIO

Four tiered ustrinum – the lowest most of which represents a plain podium with one large festoon, three smaller festoons, and the profile of a festoon at each end. The next tier forms the sepulchral chamber for the reception of the dead body. 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 arch-headed niches with statues and a cornice represented by beads; 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, with his statue in the chariot. All the tiers diminish in width from the base upwards so as to assume a pyramidal form. 17mm, 3.20g