Marcus Aurelius
161–180 AD
Marcus Aurelius, philosopher‑emperor and author of the *Meditations*, ruled jointly with Lucius Verus and later alone. His reign was marked by frontier wars along the Danube and a devastating plague that reshaped the empire’s demography. Despite constant military pressure, he promoted justice, duty and Stoic virtue, becoming the model of the “philosopher‑king.” His coinage reflects themes of piety, stability and imperial vows, often commemorating anniversaries and public ceremonies. Marcus died in AD 180 during the Marcomannic campaigns, leaving the empire to Commodus and closing the age of the Five Good Emperors.
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WRB 9323 — Æ Sestertius
Æ Sestertius. IMP M ANTONINUS AVG TR XXV, laureate head right. ® VOTA SVSCEP DECENN II S‑C, COS III in exergue, Marcus Aurelius sacrificing over tripod altar left. RIC III 1017. From a collection formed in the 1960s–70s.
£75.00
WRB 8585 — Æ Sestertius
Æ Sestertius. Struck AD 145. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II F COS II, bare head right. ® VOTA PVBLICA — Marcus Aurelius standing left and Faustina II standing right, clasping hands; Concordia standing behind. S‑C. RIC III 1253 (Antoninus Pius). Rare.
£425.00
