Description
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Roman Emperor of the Nerva-Antonine Dynasty 161-180 AD, Silver Denarius (3.21g, 19mm), Rome mint 166 AD. Obverse: Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius facing to the right, legend surrounds, “M ΛNTONINVS ΛVG ΛRM PΛRTH MΛX”. Reverse: Pax stands facing to the left, draped and holding olive branch aloft in right hand and resting cornucopia in left arm, “PAX” in exergue, legend surrounds, “TR P XX IMP IIII COS III”. RIC-159; RSC-435; Sear-4915. Deeply toned and quite choice, the reverse only minorly off centre, the portrait is noteworthy and certainly a superior rendition of Marcus Aurelius as Augustus, displayed powerfully with full beard, details Extremely Fine.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Mārcus Antoninus Augustus, Armeniacus, Parthicus maximus”, with an English translation of “Marcus Antoninus Augustus, victor/conqueror in Armenia, great victor/conqueror in Parthia”. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Tribūnīciā Potestās vīcēsimum, Imperātor quārtum, cōnsulāritās tertium”, with an English translation of “Invested with Tribunician Power for the twenthieth time, holder of the position of Imperator for the fourth time, honoured with the office of Consul for his third term”.