- New
Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 AD. AR Denarius, 161 AD, Rome Mint, RIC 438, BMC 60, Coh. 164, silver 17 mm, weight 3,41 g., condition aUNC, sharp and lustrous mint specimen, rare in this condition, Ex. Auction Lanz 121, Munich 2004, No. 412
DIVVS ANTONINVS, Bare head to right / CONSECRATIO, funeral pyre of four tiers, decorated with garlands.
Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.
The rogus depicts the imperial funeral pyre, symbolizing the cremation of the deceased emperor. In Roman belief, the rising flames marked the moment of apotheosis, as the soul ascended to the heavens and the ruler was transformed into a divus.