Divus Antoninus Pius AR Denarius, Rome AD 161-162, Altar, RIC III 441

Antoninus Pius, Denarius, silver, posthumous under Marcus Aurelius, AD 161–162, 3.15 g, 18 mm. Rome mint. Obv: DIVVS ANTONINVS; bare head of Antoninus Pius right within beaded border. Rev: DIVO PIO; square altar with pilasters and panelled doors; beaded border. Struck at Rome following the emperor’s consecration; die axis 6h. Reference: RIC III (Marcus Aurelius) 441.

Issued immediately after Antoninus Pius died on 7 March AD 161 and was deified by the Senate, this denarius forms part of the consecration series struck by Marcus Aurelius. The altar reverse advertises the state cult of Divus Antoninus and the rites associated with his apotheosis at Rome, reinforcing dynastic continuity at the accession of the new emperor.