Roman Empire "Marcus as Caesar" NGC XF 5x4
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Marcus Aurelius as Caesar (AD 161–180). AV Aureus (18mm, 7.29g, 6h). Graded Choice Extremely Fine by NGC (5/5 strike, 4/5 surfaces), exhibiting a refined die engraving in Fine Style. Minted in Rome circa AD 158–159 during the later years of Antoninus Pius’s reign.
Provenance & Pedigree
This coin boasts an impressive provenance. It was once part of Baldwin’s inventory (with the original dealer's tag still accompanying), appeared in Morton & Eden Auction 108 (22 October 2020), Lot 195, and earlier passed through Sotheby’s Zurich sale (10 June 1977), Lot 120.
Erratum: The Sotheby’s sale was previously misattributed to 1970; the correct date is 1977.
About the Ruler: Marcus Aurelius, Philosopher EmperorThough depicted here as Caesar (heir apparent), Marcus Aurelius would later go on to become one of the most revered Roman emperors—both for his leadership and his intellect. Born in AD 121 and adopted by Antoninus Pius at the behest of Emperor Hadrian, Marcus was groomed from a young age for imperial rule. Unlike many rulers of the time, he was not just a soldier or administrator, but a philosopher-statesman who deeply valued reason, virtue, and duty.
As emperor (AD 161–180), Marcus Aurelius co-ruled with Lucius Verus until Verus’s death in 169, after which Marcus governed alone. His reign was marked by persistent warfare on the empire's frontiers, notably the Marcomannic Wars, as well as internal challenges like plague and political unrest. Despite these pressures, he remained devoted to Stoic philosophy, even writing his seminal work Meditations while on campaign—a text that remains one of the most profound and enduring works of personal reflection in Western philosophy.
The reverse of this aureus—featuring Apollo—may allude to Marcus’s admiration for classical virtue and divine harmony. Apollo was often associated with reason and moral clarity, ideals Marcus strove to embody both in thought and governance.
Obverse: AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG P II F — Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius facing right, seen from behind, his youthful features masterfully rendered, reflecting both imperial dignity and philosophical poise.
Reverse: TR POT XIII COS II — Apollo, god of music, prophecy, and healing, stands frontally, head turned left, holding a patera in his right hand and a lyre in his left—a symbolically rich pairing, evoking harmony, enlightenment, and divine guidance.
Struck on a gleaming, marigold gold planchet, this aureus exemplifies the elegant artistry and precision of Rome’s mid-second-century imperial mint.
Provenance & Pedigree
This coin boasts an impressive provenance. It was once part of Baldwin’s inventory (with the original dealer's tag still accompanying), appeared in Morton & Eden Auction 108 (22 October 2020), Lot 195, and earlier passed through Sotheby’s Zurich sale (10 June 1977), Lot 120.
Erratum: The Sotheby’s sale was previously misattributed to 1970; the correct date is 1977.
About the Ruler: Marcus Aurelius, Philosopher EmperorThough depicted here as Caesar (heir apparent), Marcus Aurelius would later go on to become one of the most revered Roman emperors—both for his leadership and his intellect. Born in AD 121 and adopted by Antoninus Pius at the behest of Emperor Hadrian, Marcus was groomed from a young age for imperial rule. Unlike many rulers of the time, he was not just a soldier or administrator, but a philosopher-statesman who deeply valued reason, virtue, and duty.
As emperor (AD 161–180), Marcus Aurelius co-ruled with Lucius Verus until Verus’s death in 169, after which Marcus governed alone. His reign was marked by persistent warfare on the empire's frontiers, notably the Marcomannic Wars, as well as internal challenges like plague and political unrest. Despite these pressures, he remained devoted to Stoic philosophy, even writing his seminal work Meditations while on campaign—a text that remains one of the most profound and enduring works of personal reflection in Western philosophy.
The reverse of this aureus—featuring Apollo—may allude to Marcus’s admiration for classical virtue and divine harmony. Apollo was often associated with reason and moral clarity, ideals Marcus strove to embody both in thought and governance.
Obverse: AVRELIVS CAES ANTON AVG P II F — Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius facing right, seen from behind, his youthful features masterfully rendered, reflecting both imperial dignity and philosophical poise.
Reverse: TR POT XIII COS II — Apollo, god of music, prophecy, and healing, stands frontally, head turned left, holding a patera in his right hand and a lyre in his left—a symbolically rich pairing, evoking harmony, enlightenment, and divine guidance.
Struck on a gleaming, marigold gold planchet, this aureus exemplifies the elegant artistry and precision of Rome’s mid-second-century imperial mint.
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