Marcus Aurelius III | Honos | Ancient Roman Coin Pendant | Made to Order
$550.00
✓Authentic ancient coin — guaranteed
✓Individually selected & hand-set
✓Featured in The New York Times
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Pairs well with
Before he became Rome’s philosopher-emperor, Marcus Aurelius appeared on coins as the young heir to Antoninus Pius. Struck in AD 145–147, this silver denarius preserves that earlier portrait, paired with Honos, the Roman personification of honor. Worn but still attractive, the coin will be hand set in a handmade bezel in your choice of metal, giving this small piece of Roman history a new life as a pendant.
Why I Chose This Coin
I chose this coin for its pleasing appearance despite the wear, and for the opportunity to show Marcus Aurelius as a younger man. The softened details give it a quiet appeal. It is an attractive example of a coin that has lost some of its original sharpness while retaining its character, with a portrait from long before the familiar images of the mature, bearded emperor.
The Story
This denarius depicts Marcus Aurelius before his accession as emperor in AD 161. At the time it was struck, he was Caesar—the designated successor to Antoninus Pius. The obverse inscription identifies him as the emperor’s son, reflecting his adoption into the imperial family, while COS II on the reverse records his second consulship.
Honos, the personification of honor, stands on the reverse holding a branch and a cornucopia, the horn of plenty. His presence associates the young heir with a virtue central to Roman public life. For those who know Marcus through his later philosophical writings, the coin offers a glimpse of an earlier chapter: a young man being prepared for the responsibilities of rule.
Why Marcus Aurelius?
Civilization: Ancient Rome
Ruler depicted: Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar under Antoninus Pius
Date struck: AD 145–147
Mint: Rome
Denomination: Silver denarius
Reference: RIC III 429a (Antoninus Pius)
Obverse: Bare head of Marcus Aurelius facing right.
Inscription: AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F.
Reverse: Honos standing facing, head turned left, holding a branch and cornucopia.
Inscription: COS II.
Condition: Worn, with softened details. Please examine the photographs for the appearance of the exact coin you will receive.
The coin itself is ancient silver. Your choice of metal applies to the handmade bezel setting.
What’s Included
The exact coin pictured will be hand set in a handmade bezel in brass, sterling silver, solid 14k gold, solid 18k gold, or solid 22k gold. Each bezel is individually fitted to the coin, with an open back that allows the reverse to be viewed. No adhesives are used. Please allow approximately three weeks for completion. Your pendant includes a sterling silver chain, jewelry box, and certificate of authenticity with historical notes about your exact coin, backed by my lifetime authenticity guarantee. Gold chains are additional: a 14k chain upgrade is available at checkout, and an 18k chain can be arranged by request.
Learn More
Every coin in this collection is individually selected for its historical significance, artistry, and character. Because each pendant is made from an authentic ancient coin, no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
More photographs and the complete numismatic description are available upon request. Each pendant is handcrafted to order and made using the exact coin shown in the listing.
Handcrafted Setting
Your setting is made only after your order is placed, ensuring it is fitted specifically to this exact coin. Because ancient coins are hand-struck, the obverse and reverse are rarely aligned like modern coins. If you have a preferred side to face forward when worn, simply leave a note with your order and I'll orient the setting accordingly.
Marcus Aurelius III | Honos | Ancient Roman Coin Pendant | Made to Order
Brass
$550.00
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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.
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