Coins and Antiquities Consignment Shop
  Welcome To Forum Ancient Coins!!! All Items Purchased From Forum Ancient Coins Are Guaranteed Authentic For Eternity!!! Please Call Us If You Have Questions 252-646-1958 or 252-497-2724 Expert Authentication - Accurate Descriptions - Reasonable Prices - Coins From Under $10 To Museum Quality Rarities Welcome To Forum Ancient Coins!!! All Items Purchased From Forum Ancient Coins Are Guaranteed Authentic For Eternity!!! Internet Challenged? We Are Happy To Take Your Order Over The Phone 252-646-1958 Explore Our Website And Find Joy In The History, Numismatics, Art, Mythology, And Geography Of Coins!!!

× Catalog Main Menu
Fine Coins Showcase

Recent Price Reductions

Mar 16, 2024
Medieval & Modern Coins

Mar 15, 2024
Judean & Biblical Coins

Mar 14, 2024

Mar 11, 2024

Mar 09, 2024

Mar 01, 2024
Medieval & Modern Coins
Books, Supplies & Services

Feb 29, 2024

Feb 28, 2024
Judean & Biblical Coins
   View Categories
Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Roman Coins| ▸ |The Adoptive Emperors| ▸ |Marcus Aurelius||View Options:  |  |  | 

Marcus Aurelius, 7 March 161 - 17 March 180 A.D.

Marcus Aurelius was recognized by Hadrian as a fine and capable youth and betrothed to the daughter of Aelius. Antoninus Pius adopted him and in 145 A.D. he married Antoninus' daughter, Faustina II. In 161 A.D., he succeeded Antoninus as Augustus, immediately proclaiming Lucius Verus his co-emperor. Although known for his adherence to the philosophy of Stoicism and as a naturally peaceful man, Marcus' reign was disturbed by war with Parthia, plague and then a long, hard war along the Danube frontier. He died on March 17th, 180 A.D. and was deified by the senate soon after.

Marcus Aurelius, 7 March 161 - 17 March 180 A.D., Mostene, Lydia

|Other| |Lydia|, |Marcus| |Aurelius,| |7| |March| |161| |-| |17| |March| |180| |A.D.,| |Mostene,| |Lydia||AE| |35|
Mostene, in ancient Lydia, prospered in Roman and Byzantine eras. There is debate, based on a line in Tacitus, over whether Mostene was a Macedonian colony or a native Lydian city. In 17 A.D. the city was hit by an earthquake and was assisted by relief from Tiberius.
RP113182. Bronze AE 35, Apparently unpublished; GRPC Lydia -, RPC Online IV -, F, dark green patina, earthen deposits, marks, pit lower right, weight 21.592 g, maximum diameter 35.3 mm, die axis 180o, Mostene (Kepecik, Turkey) mint, c. 161 - 162 A.D.; obverse AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNEINOC, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse EΠI AΛEΞANΔPOY APX ΛYΔ MOCTHNΩN (authority of Alexandros, archon, Mostene), Demeter, holding grain and torch?; from the Michael Arslan Collection, ex Solidus auction 123 (25 Jul 2023), lot 359 (part of); the only known specimen; extremely rare; $250.00 (€235.00)
 


Marcus Aurelius, 7 March 161 - 17 March 180 A.D., Magnesia ad Maeandrum, Ionia

|Magnesia| |ad| |Meandrum|, |Marcus| |Aurelius,| |7| |March| |161| |-| |17| |March| |180| |A.D.,| |Magnesia| |ad| |Maeandrum,| |Ionia||AE| |18|
Magnesia ad Maeandrum was an inland city of Ionia, located on a small tributary of the Maeander River about 12 miles southeast of Ephesus. "..the temple of Artemis Leukophryene, which in the size of its shrine and in the number of its votive offerings is inferior to the temple at Ephesos, but in the harmony and skill shown in the structure of the sacred enclosure is far superior to it. And in size it surpasses all the sacred enclosures in Asia except two, that at Ephesos (to Artemis) and that at Didymoi (to Apollo)" -- Strabo, Geography 14. 1. 40.
RP113240. Bronze AE 18, RPC Online IV.2 T17310 (2 spec.), Schultz Magnesia -, SNG Cop -, BMC Ionia -, gF, green patina, earthen deposits, a little off center, weight 4.268 g, maximum diameter 18.0 mm, die axis 0o, Magnesia ad Maeandrum (near Tekin, Turkey) mint, as caesar, 147 - 161 A.D.; obverse OVHPOC KAICAPO, bare headed and draped bust right; reverse MAΓ EΠI TVNXA Γ (Magnesia Epitynchanos grammateus), cult statue of turreted Artemis Leukophryene standing facing, with arm supports, wearing tall headdress and veil, crowned by two flying Nikai; between two standing eagles at feet with spreading wings; ; very rare; $150.00 (€141.00) ON RESERVE


Attaea, Mysia, Late 2nd Century A.D.

|Other| |Mysia|, |Attaea,| |Mysia,| |Late| |2nd| |Century| |A.D.||AE| |18|
Attaea appears to be known only from its coinage. Its site is uncertain but, based on coin finds, may be Dikeliköy, Turkey.
RP111827. Bronze AE 18, SNGvA 7203, SNG BnF 136, von Fritze Mysiens 357, Waddington 5744, RPC IV.2 online -, SNG Cop -, aVF, nice green patina, light corrosion, scratches, earthen deposits, weight 5.102 g, maximum diameter 18.0 mm, die axis 180o, Attaea (Dikeliköy, Turkey?) mint, reign of Marcus Aurelius(?), late 2nd century A.D.; obverse IEPA CVNKΛHTOC, draped bust of the youthful Senate right; reverse ATTAITΩN, youthful male figure (founding hero?) standing right, beardless, with short hair, left foot on cippus, upper body bent forward, arms crossed resting both on left thigh; $90.00 (€84.60)
 


Commodus, March or April 177 - 31 December 192 A.D., Akrasos, Lydia

|Other| |Lydia|, |Commodus,| |March| |or| |April| |177| |-| |31| |December| |192| |A.D.,| |Akrasos,| |Lydia||AE| |26|
Akrasos was probably located on the upper course of the Caicus River. The site remains unknown. Even which river was once called the Caicus is uncertain. It is believed to be the modern Bakircay River in Turkey. Nothing is known of the city beyond its coinage.
RP111751. Bronze AE 26, GRPC Lydia Acrasus 27, RPC Online IV.2 T2794, SNG Mun 19, BMC Lydia -, SNGvA -, Choice F, dark green patina, highlighting earthen deposits, porosity, weight 9.202 g, maximum diameter 25.9 mm, Acrasus (site unknown) mint, under Marcus Aurelius, c. 177 - 179 A.D.; obverse AV KAI Λ AVP KOMOΔ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse EΠI CTPA BACCOV AKPACIΩTΩ (authority of strategos Bassos, Akrasos), Hygieia on left, standing half right, feeding serpent from patera held in her arms; Asclepius on right, standing facing, head left, leaning on serpent-entwined staff; ex CNG e-auction 510 (23 Feb 2022), lot 405; ex Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection ; $80.00 (€75.20)
 


Marcus Aurelius, 7 March 161 - 17 March 180 A.D., Sardes, Lydia

|Sardes|, |Marcus| |Aurelius,| |7| |March| |161| |-| |17| |March| |180| |A.D.,| |Sardes,| |Lydia||AE| |21|
Sardis was the capital of the Kingdom of Lydia, an important city of the Persian Empire, a Roman proconsul seat, and in later Roman and Byzantine times the metropolis of the province Lydia. In the Book of Revelation, Sardis, one of the Seven Churches of Asia, is admonished to be watchful and to strengthen since their works haven't been perfect before God. (Revelation 3:1-6).
RP114638. Bronze AE 21, RPC Online IV.2 T1430; GRPC Lydia IV 449; BMC Lydia p. 258, 143; SNG Cop 528; SNG Tübingen 3813; SNG Leypold I 1218; Lindgren I 817; Weber 6911, aVF, uneven strike with parts of legends weak, light corrosion, light deposits, weight 2.936 g, maximum diameter 20.7 mm, die axis 180o, Sardes (Sart, Turkey) mint, as caesar, 140 – 144 A.D.; obverse M AYPHΛIOC KAICAP YΠA, bare-headed, draped youthful bust right, seen from right side; reverse EΠI NEIKOMAXOY CAPΔIANΩN (time of [magistrate] Nikomachos, Sardes), winged caduceus upright; $60.00 (€56.40)
 


Marcus Aurelius, 7 March 161 - 17 March 180 A.D., Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem), Syria Palestina

|Marcus| |Aurelius|, |Marcus| |Aurelius,| |7| |March| |161| |-| |17| |March| |180| |A.D.,| |Aelia| |Capitolina| |(Jerusalem),| |Syria| |Palestina||AE| |32|
In 132, a messianic, charismatic Jewish leader Simon bar Kokhba started the Bar Kokhba revolt, a war of liberation for Judea against Rome. At first the rebellion was a success. The legion X Fretensis was forced to retreat from Jerusalem to Caesarea. The legion XXII Deiotariana, which advanced from Egypt, was destroyed. The Jews re-established their sacrifices and struck coins to celebrate their independence. The rebellion would last for only 30 months. By 135, the Romans had recaptured Jerusalem, Simon bar Kokhba was dead, and the majority of the Jewish population of Judea was either killed, exiled, or sold into slavery. Jerusalem was renamed Colonia Aelia Capitolina and an altar to Jupiter was erected on the site of the Temple. After these events, the Jews would remain scattered without a homeland for close to two millennia.
JD11646. Bronze AE 32, Sofaer 46; Meshorer Aelia 45; Kadman Aelia 50; Rosenberger 28; BMC Palestine p. 89, 36, aVF, nice portrait, weight 20.46 g, maximum diameter 32.3 mm, die axis 0o, Aelia Capitolina (Jerusalem) mint, 7 Mar 161 - 17 Mar 180 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG, bare-headed, draped bust right; reverse COL AEL CAP (Colonia Aelia Capitolina), Serapis seated left of throne, kalathos on head, long scepter in left hand, right hand extended over Kerberos seated at feet; very rare; SOLD


|Marcus| |Aurelius|, |Marcus| |Aurelius,| |7| |March| |161| |-| |17| |March| |180| |A.D.||denarius|
In 163, the Roman general Statius Priscus reconquered Armenia. Artaxata was ruined.

According to Cassius Dio when Avidius Cassius (the governor of Egypt and Syria) was declared emperor by his legions in 175 A.D., it was Priscus who informed Emperor Aurelius. Cassius declared himself emperor at the behest of Aurelius' wife who convinced Cassius and his legions that the emperor had died. Aurelius quickly defeated Cassius and installed Priscus as governor of Syria.
SH53591. Silver denarius, RIC III 59, RSC II 37, BMCRE IV 209, Hunter II 11, SRCV II -, FDC, bold, sharp, fine style, light iridescent toning on sparkling mint luster, weight 3.399 g, maximum diameter 18.6 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, Dec 162 - Dec 163 A.D.; obverse IMP M ANTONINVS AVG, bare head right; reverse CONCORDIA AVG (harmony of the Emperor) TR P XVII, Concordia seated left, patera in right hand, resting left arm on statuette of Spes set on cornucopia, COS III in exergue; ex H. S. Perlin Co.; SOLD


|Marcus| |Aurelius|, |Marcus| |Aurelius,| |7| |March| |161| |-| |17| |March| |180| |A.D.||sestertius|
"The 'Sestertius' (pl: sestertii), a contraction of the Latin 'SEMIS TERTIVS' which meant 2½, was originally a Roman Republican silver coin worth 1/4 of the denarius, or 2½ asses. In 38 BC Mark Antony changed it to a bronze worth four asses, since the denarius was re-valued to 16. Augustus issued it as an orichalcum coin of about 25 grams (dia: 35 mms), and it stayed that way until the early third century. It shrank to 20 grams and 25-30 mms in the reign of Severus Alexander (225-238). It was driven from circulation about 260 by the debased antoninianus, a small base billon coin valued at 8 sestertii." - from Moneta Historical Research by Tom Schroer
RB22819. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC III AP1234a, BMCRE IV AP1405, Cohen III 454, Strack III AP922, SRCV II 4806, nice VF, green patina, weight 26.304 g, maximum diameter 30.8 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, as caesar, 140 - 144 A.D.; obverse AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS, bare head right; reverse PIETAS AVG (to the piety of the Emperor), implements of the augurate and pontificate, from left to right: secespita (knife), aspergillum (sprinkler), ewer (jug), and culullus (cup) or simpulum (ladle), S C (senatus consulto) in exergue; SOLD










OBVERSE LEGENDS

ANTONINVSAVG
ANTONINVSAVGARMENIACVS
AVRELIVSCAESANTONAVGPIIF
AVRELIVSCAESARANTONINIAVGPIIFIL
AVRELIVSCAESARAVGPIIF
AVRELIVSCAESARAVGPIIFCOS
AVRELIVSCAESARAVGPIIFIL
AVRELIVSCAESARAVGPIIFCOS
AVRELIVSCAESAVGPIIF
AVRELIVSCAESAVGPIIFCOS
AVRELIVSCAESAVGPIIFCOSDES
DIVOMARCO
DIVOMARCOANTONINO
DIVVSMANTONINVSPIVS
IMPCAESMAVRELANTONINVSAVG
IMPCAESMAVRELANTONINVSAVGPM
IMPMANTONINVSAVG
IMPMANTONINVSAVGTRPXXV
IMPMAVRELANTONINVSAVG
MANTONINVSAVG
MANTONINVSAVGARMENIACVS
MANTONINVSAVGARMENPM
MANTONINVSAVGARMPARTHMAX
MANTONINVSAVGGERMSARM
MANTONINVSAVGGERMSARMATICVS
MANTONINVSAVGGERMSARMMAX
MANTONINVSAVGGERMSARMTRPXXXI
MANTONINVSAVGGERMSARMTRPXXXPP
MANTONINVSAVGGERMTRPXXIX
MANTONINVSAVGIMPII
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXX
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXIII
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXIIII
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXV
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXVI
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXVII
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXVIII
MANTONINVSAVGTRPXXIX
MAVRELANTONINVSAVG
MAVRELANTONINVSAVGARMENIACVSPM
MAVRELANTONINVSAVGARMPARTHMAX
MAVRELANTONINVSAVGTRPXXXIII
MAVRELIVSCAESARANTONINIAVGPIIF
MAVRELIVSCAESARAVGPIIF


REFERENCES

American Numismatic Society (ANS) Collections Database Online - http://numismatics.org/search/search
Banti, A. & L. Simonetti. Corpus Nummorum Romanorum. (Florence, 1972-1979).
Calicó, E. The Roman Avrei, Vol. I: From the Republic to Pertinax, 196 BC - 193 AD. (Barcelona, 2003).
Cayón, J. Los Sestercios del Imperio Romano, Vol. III: De Marco Aurelio a Caracalla (Del 161 d.C. al 217 d.C.). (Madrid, 1984).
Cohen, H. Description historique des monnaies frappées sous l'Empire Romain, Vol. 3: Marcus Aurelius to Clodius Albinus. (Paris, 1883).
KENOM Virtuelles Münzkabinett- https://www.kenom.de
Mattingly, H. & E. Sydenham. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol. III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus. (London, 1930).
Mattingly, H. & R. Carson. Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, Vol. 4: Antoninus Pius to Commodus. (London, 1940).
Robinson, A. Roman Imperial Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet. II. Trajan to Commodus (London, 1971).
Szaivert, W. Moneta Imperii Romani, Die Münzprägung der Kaiser Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus un Commodus (161-192). (Wien, 1984).
Seaby, H. & R. Loosley. Roman Silver Coins, Vol. II: Tiberius to Commodus. (London, 1979).
Sear, D. Roman Coins and Their Values, Vol. II: The Accession of Nerva to the Overthrow of the Severan Dynasty AD 96 - AD 235. (London, 2002).
Strack, P. Untersuchungen zur römischen Reichsprägung des zweiten Jahrhunderts, Teil III: Die Reichsprägung zur Zeit Antoninus Pius. (Stuttgart, 1937).
Toynbee, J. Roman medallions. ANSNS 5. (New York, 1944).
Vagi, D. Coinage and History of the Roman Empire. (Sidney, 1999).

Catalog current as of Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Page created in 0.828 seconds.
All coins are guaranteed for eternity