Struck when Marcus Aurelius was still heir to the throne, this silver denarius preserves the image of a future emperor before philosophy, war, and rule reshaped his public face. Issued at Rome under Antoninus Pius, the coin belongs to a carefully managed period of succession, when imperial continuity was expressed through restraint, virtue, and symbolic clarity.
The History
Long before he became one of Rome’s most enduring philosopher-emperors, Marcus Aurelius was prepared deliberately for power. Adopted by Antoninus Pius, he was elevated to the rank of Caesar and presented to the Roman world through official portraiture and coinage that emphasized legitimacy, moral character, and continuity.
This denarius dates to that formative stage. The portrait shows Marcus as a young man, clean-shaven and idealized, far removed from the bearded, careworn emperor of his later reign. The imagery speaks not to conquest or spectacle, but to character. On the reverse, Honos personifies honor, public duty, and the ethical standards expected of Rome’s ruling class. The branch and cornucopiae link virtue to stability and abundance, a visual argument for moral governance.
Silver denarii formed the backbone of Roman monetary life. Coins like this circulated widely, embedding imperial values into daily transactions across the empire. Preserved and set in gold, this example remains a quiet record of Marcus Aurelius before history tested the ideals he would later write about.
What’s Included
Authentic Marcus Aurelius denarius set in solid 14k gold bezel
Matching sterling silver chain (18, 20, or 24 inches)
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Certificate of authenticity with coin history
Red velvet presentation box
Polishing cloth and care instructions
Free insured U.S. shipping, worldwide shipping available
Coin Details
Issuer: Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar under Antoninus Pius
Mint: Rome
Date: AD 145–147
Denomination: Denarius, material: Silver
Obverse: Bare head of Marcus Aurelius right, legend “AVRELIVS CAE-SAR AVG PII F”
Reverse: Honos standing left, holding a branch and cornucopiae; legend “COS II”
Roman Silver Denarius of Marcus Aurelius
$1,150.00
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