This bronze dupondius was struck in AD 177 under Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor remembered for his Meditations and his steady rule through war and plague. The obverse bears his radiate, draped bust with full imperial titles; the reverse shows a winged thunderbolt between the letters S–C, symbolizing Jupiter’s divine sanction of authority.
Now hand-set in a custom sterling silver bezel, this large and weighty coin becomes a wearable emblem of clarity, resilience, and power held in reserve — a tribute to one of history’s most contemplative rulers.
The History
Marcus Aurelius, last of the so-called “Five Good Emperors,” ruled from AD 161–180. His reign was marked by near-constant warfare and the Antonine plague, yet he remained dedicated to Stoic philosophy, leaving behind Meditations as a personal reflection on endurance, duty, and humility.
The thunderbolt on this coin symbolized Jupiter’s divine authority — a reminder that the emperor ruled not only with military strength but also under the sanction of Rome’s highest god. To Romans of the late 2nd century, such imagery carried both reassurance and solemn weight.
Coin Details
Type: Bronze dupondius
Date: AD 177
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Radiate, draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right; legend M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXI
Reverse: Winged thunderbolt; IMP VIIII COS III P P, S–C in fields
What’s Included
Authentic bronze dupondius of Marcus Aurelius, guaranteed genuine
Custom sterling silver bezel setting
Sterling silver chain (16", 18", 20", or 24")
Certificate of authenticity with historical notes
Luxury presentation box
Polishing cloth
Free insured U.S. shipping (2–3 day delivery)
International shipping available
7-day return and exchange policy
The Peregrine Collection
The Peregrine Collection represents the finest of our offerings—rare or historically significant coins, each set in a fully hand-forged 18k gold bezel and paired with a dainty 14k gold chain. Every bezel is shaped, hammered, and polished entirely by hand to follow the natural contours of the ancient coin, ensuring both secure preservation and refined presentation. No two settings are ever alike, making each pendant a singular work of wearable history.
Marcus Aurelius, Thunderbolt in Sterling
Sterling Silver / Bezel / Large
$750.00
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Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
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Thank you for making this spectacular necklace! I provided the denarius of Julia Domna, and they did the rest. I was delighted with the results - and so (more importantly) was my girlfriend.
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes — all coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country — you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us — we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
