Antoninus Pius - Column of Pius sestertius (AP2663)

Divus Antoninus Pius, died 161. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 35 mm, 27.61 g, 7 h), Rome, struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, 162. DIVVS ANTONINVS Bare head of Divus Antoninus Pius to right. Rev. DIVO PIO / S - C Column of Antoninus Pius set on low base and surmounted by statue of Divus Antoninus, holding eagle in his right hand and scepter in his left. BMC 880. Cohen 354. MIR 46-6/10. RIC 1269. Light smoothing, otherwise, nearly very fine.

 The reverse depicts the column of the divine Antoninus Pius, the shaft and base of which survive. The latter, now in the Vatican, employs both classical and traditionally plebeian sculptural styles and marks an artistic transition in imperially sponsored monuments.