Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 5190; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) III, 436; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) 171; Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) M and L 57, St.M4.

1985.05

Denarius honouring Antoninus Pius, reign of Marcus Aurelius

3.31 g. AD 161

Obv.: Bare head of Antoninus, r. DIVVS ANTONINVS.

Rev.: Four-storey cremation tower with garlanded base and statues. Quadriga (four-horse chariot) on top. CONSECRATIO.

This coin is another issue of coin 2007.03. Note slightly different treatment of beard of Antoninus.

When Antoninus died in AD 161, his successors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus gave him a grand funeral with all honours. Antoninus was deified (hence DIVVS) and his name was added to the temple in the Forum previously dedicated by Antoninus to his wife Faustina the Elder, who had died in AD 141 and had also been deified (DIVA: cf. 1966.46 and 1986.09).

The representation on the reverse is a grand form of the ustrinum, the cremation tower normally used for disposing of the dead in Rome. Here Antoninus’ deification is symbolised by the quadriga (four-horse chariot) carrying his soul to heaven. Sometimes an eagle was released from the top of the pyre for the same symbolism.

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 5190; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) III, 436; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) 171; Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) M and L 57, St.M4.