Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar (AD 161-180). AV aureus (19mm, 7.25 gm, 6h). NGC MS 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 148-149. AVRELIVS CAE-SAR AVG PII F, bare head of Marcus Aurelius right / TR POT III-C-OS II, Fides standing facing, head right, grain ears downward in right hand, basket of fruits upward in left. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 445A.a. Calicó 1930. Perfectly struck and centered on bright flan with flashes of luster. Magnificent, realistic portrait. Originally given the name Marcus Annius Verus, the future Marcus Aurelius was born in AD 121 into a patrician family of Spanish origin. At an early age, Marcus earned the patronage of the emperor Hadrian and was formally schooled at the Imperial court. At the age of 17, Marcus was adopted by Hadrian's intended successor, Antoninus Pius, along with Lucius Verus; it is widely assumed that Antoninus was following Hadrian's wishes that both young men eventually succeed to the throne. After Hadrian's death, Antoninus kept young Lucius in the background while he showed Marcus every preferment. He became Consul in AD 140, served a second Consulship in AD 145, and received the Tribunican Power in AD 147. This handsome aureus marks the third year of his Tribunicia Potestas and shows Marcus as a striking young man of 28, with a close-cropped beard modeled upon that of his adoptive father.

HID09801242017

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