Marcus Aurelius | Silver Denarius

History of the Artifact

The Roman silver denarius during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE) offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and priorities of his rule. Known as the "Philosopher Emperor," Marcus Aurelius presided over a period of significant turmoil, marked by military conflicts, economic strains, and internal unrest. The denarius served not only as a vital component of the Roman economy but also as a medium for conveying the emperor’s image, virtues, and policies to his subjects.

On the obverse side of Marcus Aurelius’ denarii, his portrait is rendered with characteristic detail, depicting him as a calm and thoughtful ruler, often with a beard that symbolized his philosophical leanings and wisdom. The inscriptions around his image usually emphasized his titles and achievements, such as “IMP M ANTONINVS AVG”, affirming his status as Imperator and Augustus. These titles reinforced his legitimacy and authority during a time when the empire was under significant external pressure.

The reverse of Marcus Aurelius' denarii frequently featured themes of military success, divine favor, and stability, reflecting his dual role as a warrior and a philosopher-king. Common motifs included the goddess Victory holding a wreath, personifications of virtues like Clemency (Clementia) and Justice (Iustitia), or references to his military campaigns against the Germanic tribes and other frontier conflicts. These designs aimed to reassure the Roman populace of the emperor’s ability to defend the empire and maintain order despite ongoing challenges.

Despite these challenges, the denarius remained a vital instrument for projecting Marcus Aurelius’ image and philosophy. His coins often emphasized his commitment to Stoic ideals, such as duty, resilience, and moral leadership. By circulating these values alongside his likeness, the denarius reinforced his role as a ruler who sought to uphold Roman traditions and virtues in the face of adversity.

Today, the denarii of Marcus Aurelius are valued not only for their historical and artistic significance but also for their ability to convey the complexity of his reign. They serve as enduring symbols of an emperor who balanced the demands of war and governance with his philosophical convictions, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire admiration centuries later.

How do I know these are original Roman coins?

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

What will my artifact look like?

Your coin will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Your order will include:

• One authentic Marcus Aurelius Silver Denarius
• Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.