ROMAN EMPIRE - NOVEL Antoninus the Pious (138-161). Aureus (struck under Marcus Aurelius) ND (after 161), Rome. Av. DIVVS ANTONINVS. Nude head right. Rv. CONSECRATIO. Four-tiered funeral pyre surmounted by a quadriga. Calicó 1491 - RIC.435 p.247 ; Gold - 7,33 g - 19 mm - 6 h From a Palombo 13 sale, 2014, No. 72 then NAC 132 sale, 2022, No. 547. NGC AU 5/5 3/5 light marks (8583609-006). Vigorously struck, in high relief, and barely circulated with at most a light patina browning the fields. Two minimal marks (neck and pyre). Superb at Fleur de coin. Imperial funerals followed a codified ritual. First, the imperial remains were dressed and made presentable. Knights then carried the body to the four-tiered funeral pyre. They placed the body of the deceased on the second tier before coating it with balms and scattering aromatic herbs. Finally, the pyre was set alight with torches. The deceased emperor then became a god. Temples were often dedicated to him and he was worshipped. The ashes of Antoninus the Pious were placed in an urn in Hadrian's mausoleum, now the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. Unfortunately, the imperial urns did not survive the sieges that marked Roman history from the 4th century onwards. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.