161 NGC Ch XF Antoninus Pius Roman Empire Divo Pio Column Denarius (20052501C)

161 NGC Ch XF Antoninus Pius Roman Empire Divo Pio Column Denarius (20052501C)Choice Extremely Fine Antoninus Pius Roman Empire silver denarius coin, 3. 46g, RIC 439. Rare Deification Commemorative reverse type with statue of Antoninus Pius standing atop column. The base of the column has survived and is on display in the Vatican. Issued by Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. NGC Certified to Ch XF, Strike 5 5, Surface 4 5. The column was 14. 75m (48. 4 ft) high and 1. 9m (6 ft 3 in) in diameter and was constructed of

• Choice Extremely Fine Antoninus Pius Roman Empire silver denarius coin, 3.46g, RIC 439. 
• Rare Deification Commemorative reverse type with statue of Antoninus Pius standing atop column. The base of the column has survived and is on display in the Vatican.
• Issued by Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. 
• NGC Certified to Ch XF, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. 
• The column was 14.75m (48.4 ft) high and 1.9m (6 ft 3 in) in diameter and was constructed of red granite, with no decorating reliefs. It was quarried out in 106 (as shown by the masons' inscription on its lower end, IG xiv.2421.1). Architecturally it belonged to the Ustrinum, 25m (82 ft) north of it on the same orientation, with the main apotheosis scene facing in that direction, and was surmounted by a statue of Antoninus, as is represented on coins issued after his death
• One side of the base has a dedicatory inscription, two sides record the funerary ceremony performed by the Roman cavalry, and one side shows the ascent to the gods of the emperor and his wife, Faustina Senior. 
•  The column base of white Italian marble was restored in 1706-08 and erected in the center of Piazza di Montecitorio in 1741, before being taken to the Vatican Museums in 1787, until its final move to its current position in the courtyard outside the entrance to the Vatican Pinacoteca.
• Obverse: DIVVS ANTONINVS, bare head right.
• Reverse: DIVO PIO, Column surmounted with statue of Pius.