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MARCUS AURELIUS

(Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus)
Roman Empire, AD 161–180

Complete numismatic description

Denomination: Denarius
Metal: Silver (AR)
Weight: 3.47 g
Diameter: 16 mm
Mint: Rome
Date of issue: AD 161–162
Grade: VF (Very Fine), NGC Ancients, brushed surface
Certification: NGC Ancients
Certification number: 6555086-032

Description

Obverse:
IMP M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG — laureate head of Marcus Aurelius facing right.

Reverse:
COS III — Jupiter seated left on a throne, holding a patera in his right hand and a sceptre in his left.

References

RIC III Marcus Aurelius 57
BMCRE 81
Cohen 89
Sear RCV 4873

Academic rarity classification

According to RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) this coin type is classified as:

R — Rare

Coins of this type occur less frequently than the standard denarii of the early reign of Marcus Aurelius and belong to the earliest emissions following his accession to the imperial throne.

Condition and patina

The coin is preserved in Very Fine (VF) condition with clearly legible legends and well-defined portrait and reverse details. The silver surface displays a light grey noble ancient patina typical for long-term burial in archaeological environments. The surface shows light, even cleaning noted by the grading service as brushed, a common condition characteristic for ancient silver coinage.

Brief historical background of the ruler

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus
(AD 121–180) was Roman emperor from AD 161 to 180 and a member of the Antonine dynasty, widely regarded as one of the most significant philosopher-emperors of antiquity.

Adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius under the arrangement of Emperor Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius ascended the throne in AD 161, initially ruling jointly with Lucius Verus. His reign was dominated by prolonged military conflicts along the Danube frontier, particularly the Marcomannic Wars, as well as the devastating Antonine Plague.

Marcus Aurelius is also renowned as the author of the philosophical work “Meditations”, written in Greek during his military campaigns. His reign is traditionally considered the final phase of the Golden Age of the Roman Empire.