| Heritage World Coin Auctions > Showcase Auction 61375 | Auction date: 20 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 25222 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar (AD 161-180). AE medallion (40mm, 43.05 gm, 12h). NGC Choice Fine 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 149. AVRELIVS CAESAR AN-TONINI AVG PII FIL, bare headed, cuirassed, bust of Marcus Aurelius left, seen from front; dotted border / TR POT III-COS II, Apollo standing facing, nude but for chlamys hanging low behind, bow in left hand, arrow in left at side; grounded upright quiver to left, cantharus on table at far left, tripod at right decorated with serpent entwined within legs, and surmounted by sphinx seated right, raven standing right on tree branch at upper left, dotted border. Gnecchi 34. Struck from lovely, Fine Style dies. A superb portrait on the obverse and an attractive composition on the reverse. Areas of jade patina on chestnut surfaces. Ex Jesus Vico, Auction 152 (15 November 2018), lot 422 Originally given the name Marcus Annius Verus, the future Marcus Aurelius was born in AD 121 into a patrician family of Spanish origin. Gaining the favor of Emperor Hadrian early on, he was educated at the Imperial court and adopted by Antoninus Pius at 17, alongside Lucius Verus, as part of Hadrian's succession plan. Upon Antoninus Pius's ascension to the throne in AD 138, Marcus was elevated to Caesar, marking the start of his prominent role in governance. As emperor, Marcus Aurelius navigated the Roman Empire through numerous military conflicts, including the Marcomannic Wars, and faced a devastating plague that significantly impacted the Roman population. His tenure is notably marked by his Stoic philosophy, as captured in his work "Meditations," which remains influential. Despite the lack of military training, his leadership during these tumultuous times reflected a deep commitment to his duties and philosophical principles. Marcus Aurelius died in AD 180, leaving a legacy as a philosopher-king, revered for his wisdom and the stoic fortitude with which he governed the Roman Empire. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-imperial/ancients-marcus-aurelius-as-caesar-ad-161-180-ae-medallion-40mm-4305-gm-12h-ngc-choice-fine-5-5-4-5-fine/a/61375-25222.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-61375-05202024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved |  |
