RARE Marcus Aurelias as Caesar Brass Sesterius, Minerva Reverse, AD 153-154

Description

Denomination: AE sestertius

Period: Imperial Rome (Emperor Antoninus Pius)

Date: AD 153-154

Origin: Rome

Condition: Fine. slight verdigris

Obverse: Laureate head. right. M AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII FIL

Reverse: Minerva standing left. holding owl and spear. shield on ground to right. TR POT VIII COS II. S-C in fields left and right

Size and Weight: 30mm. 21.60g

References: S 4815. RIC 1314 (Pius)

Features and Provenance: Marcus Aurelius was the last of a series of emperors of Rome known as the ‘Five Good Emperors’; bringing peace and stability. the ‘Pax Romana.’ He was born in AD 121 and died in 180. As a person of studious disposition. he was a dedicated student of languages and became a great philosopher. This caused him much consternation when he was expected to follow all the pomp of the royal court. On the death of Antoninus Pius in 161 he was ‘compelled’ to take imperial office and reluctantly did so. in fact he said he would only take the throne if Lucius Verus ruled with him equally. This was the first time there had ever been two emperors at the same time.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible