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Roman Empire AR Denarius AD 163 Marcus Aurelius | My Coin Collection

I recently acquired an ancient Roman coin from the reign of Marcus Aurelius, struck in 163 AD—130 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It bears the image of one of Rome’s most revered emperors, whose Stoic masterpiece, Meditations, continues to sell hundreds of thousands of copies each year.


Welcome to the newest addition to my collection!


This coin was struck in 163 AD—130 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—for none other than Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s most renowned emperors. His Stoic masterpiece, ‘Meditations’, continues to sell hundreds of thousands of copies each year.

Marcus Aurelius was the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” a line of wise and capable rulers that began with Nerva. Yet, in striking contrast, his son and successor, Commodus, was known for his weak mind, susceptibility to manipulation, and blatant disregard for the Senate and Rome’s leading citizens. Commodus is often ranked among the most infamous and corrupt emperors in Roman history. Commodus met a fitting end—assassinated at the age of 31 by a wrestler named Narcissus.

I am curious about the oddities of the world around us. How could one of the wisest and most patient of rulers bear an evil and simpleton son?


Raw Data:

Nerva–Antonine (96 AD to 192 AD)

AR Denarius 163 AD Marcus Aurelius
Obverse: IMP M ANTONINVS AVG

Reverse : PROV DEOR TR P XVII COS III
Providentia standing left,holding globe and cornucopia
RIC 70; RSC 526.

Purchased January 2025 from MA-Shops.com

Wild Winds: https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/marcus_aurelius/i.html


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