New Sestertius of Marcus Aurelius

Aethelred

Most of you know a bit about Marcus Aurelius. You probably know that he was a Stoic philosopher who wrote a book called "Meditations" that is still frequently read today. You may have also read the popular biography of Aurelius by Frank McLynn. Aurelius is amongst the more popular of Roman Emperors today and was the last of the so-called "Good Emperors." However, in spite of his good press, Aurelius had a dark side that included allowing a brutal persecution of the Christians and executing thousands of war prisoners so that they would not have to be fed. Perhaps Aurelius' greatest flaw was in the promotion of his mad son Commodus as heir.

This coin is a bronze Sestertius that was issued at the end of the reign of Antoninus Pius, while Marcus Aurelius was still heir to the throne. It was minted at Rome in AD 158-159 and is listed in Sear as SR-4819 and in RIC III 1349b (under A. Pius). It weighs 26.1g and is 33mm in diameter.

Jackthecat1

An excellent piece.

lordmarcovan

There seem to be Marcus Aurelii in the air today.



Nice coin. You can see some of the orginal brassy orichalcum peeking through on the high points and around the edges.

asheland

I really like that one!

CIVITAS

A good looking piece.

Aethelred

Thank you Josh!