Roman Imperial: Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar (AD 161-180). AV aureus (19mm, 7.19 gm, 5h). NGC MS★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine...
Description
Ex Leu Numismatik, 1999
Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar (AD 161-180). AV aureus (19mm, 7.19
gm, 5h). NGC MS★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 147-148.
AVRELIVS-CAESAR AVG PII F, bare headed, draped bust of Marcus
Aurelius right, seen from behind / TR•POT•II-COS•II, Minerva
standing facing, helmeted head right, grounded spear in right hand,
resting left hand on shield. Calicó 1925a (these dies). RIC III
(Antoninus Pius) 438a.From the Mirabilis Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 138 (18 May 2023), lot 713; Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 97 (12 December 2016), lot 147; Leu Numismatik, Auction 75 (26 October 1999), lot 1526.
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 fortitude with which he governed the Roman Empire.
Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000.
View all of [The Mirabilis Collection ]
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid (minimum $29) per lot.
This lot is in: 5 -
Signature® Floor Session - Platinum Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 34001-34318) - 6:00 PM Central Time, Monday, January 12, 2026 (7:00 PM Eastern Time).
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
Exhibition Viewing Times, Title Page, Floor Session and License Information
Additional Location Info:
InterContinental New York Barclay
111 East 48th Street
New York, NY 10017
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Ancient Coins Grading Tutorial
World and Ancient Coin Bibliography
** Lots bearing estimates and without Consignor Reserve shall open at Heritage Auctions' discretion (usually 25% to 60% of the low estimate).