Antoninus Pius, denarius, silver, reign 138-161, minted posthumously under

Antoninus Pius, denarius, silver, reign 138-161, minted posthumously under Marcus Aurelius circa 161-162, weight 3.20 g, diameter 18 mm. Obverse: bare head of Antoninus Pius right; legend DIVO PIO. Reverse: square altar with double doors and ornate top; legend DIVVS ANTONINVS. Strike: hammered, well-centered with full legends. Toning: light uniform grey patina. References: RIC III Marcus Aurelius 441; BMC p. 388 no. 12; RSC 59. After the death of Antoninus Pius in March 161, his adoptive sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus issued posthumous coinage to honor him and secure dynastic continuity. Silver denarii such as this example were struck at Rome and circulated throughout the empire, bearing the legend DIVO to designate the deceased emperor’s deification by the Senate. The reverse altar emphasizes the state cult created for the new divus, reflecting the traditional Roman practice of venerating deified rulers to legitimize the authority of the succeeding emperors and promote loyalty among the populace.