This pendant features a genuine silver denarius of Marcus Aurelius, Rome’s philosopher-emperor, struck at the height of his reign in AD 172. The obverse shows his laureate portrait with calm dignity, while the reverse presents Mars standing in full military dress, holding a spear and shield—a powerful emblem of Rome’s enduring strength.
Set in a custom 18k gold bezel, shaped and polished entirely by hand, the coin is preserved in an elegant frame that enhances its ancient character without diminishing its authenticity. This one-of-a-kind pendant transforms a Roman relic into wearable history.
The History
Marcus Aurelius (AD 161–180) is remembered as both emperor and Stoic philosopher, author of the Meditations. His reign was marked by constant wars on Rome’s frontiers, but also by his pursuit of virtue, self-discipline, and wisdom. Coins struck during this period often emphasized Rome’s military might, with Mars, the god of war, underscoring both defense and conquest.
This denarius, minted in Rome in AD 172, encapsulates the dual image of Marcus Aurelius: a ruler committed to the ideals of philosophy, yet tasked with the ceaseless demands of empire.
Coin Details
Origin: Rome
Date: AD 172
Obverse: Laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius right
Reverse: Mars standing right, holding spear and resting on shield
Diameter: ~18–19 mm
Material: Ancient silver
What’s Included
Authentic Marcus Aurelius denarius set in solid 18k 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
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 in 18k Gold
$925.00
Need help?
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
Shipping Information
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
Customer Support
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
FAQ’s
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
Contact Us
Use this text to answer questions in as much detail as possible for your customers.
Testimonials
My four daughters absolutely LOVED them! Your work is excellent and the pendants look great- Thank you!
— Eva S.
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.
— Garrett Ryan from Toldinstone
Got the ring today! Love it!
— Margaret B.
The Athenian Owl pendants are awesome! We're saving the gift for a special occasion. My wife loved it, she got it and was all hushed quiet, that smile while opening and handling it for the first few minutes. It's special.
— Joe E.
OMG the coin. It’s sooo gorgeous. I love it so so so so much. Thank you for keeping me in mind and finding this piece of perfection for me.
— Cecilia A.
Curated Classics. History in Every Piece
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.
