ROMAN. Divus Antoninus Pius. Commemorative issue struck under Trajan Decius, A.D. 250-251. Silver Antoninianus (3.88g). Rome mint. DIVO PIO, radiate head right / CONSECRATIO, lighted altar. RIC IV (Trajan Decius) 90; RSC 1189. Extremely Fine. A strong, well-preserved example of Decius' evocative Divi commemoratives. This antoninianus belongs to the remarkable series in which Decius, ruling in the turbulence of the mid 3rd century, sought to strengthen his legitimacy by honouring select earlier emperors as deified models of Roman authority, a carefully chosen roll call that even included unexpected figures such as Commodus and Severus Alexander.

Estimate: AUD 500