★ One of the finest ★

Marcus Aurelius AD 161-180. Struck AD 176-177. Rome
Aureus AV

20 mm, 7,27 g

M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius to right / TR P XXXI IMP VIII COS III P P, pile of captured Sarmatian arms, including a cuirass, an oblong, oval and quadrangular shields, spears, a banner and a war-horn; DE SARM in exergue.

nearly mint state

Biaggi 846; BMC 739 note; Calicó 1848; C. 172; RIC 366; Vagi 1528.

Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly one of the finest. Under Hadrian and Antoninus Pius, the Roman Empire enjoyed peace and prosperity. However, in 161, with the rise of co-emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, the empire prepared for war. Their priority was not legislative reforms or charitable acts, but defending the empire's borders. Lucius Verus was sent east to face the Parthians, while Marcus Aurelius led his legions northward to secure the frontiers along the Rhine and the Danube. Much of Marcus Aurelius’ reign was consumed by these frontier conflicts, often pushing him deep into German territory on dangerous campaigns. Before a particular aureus was struck, Marcus had secured significant victories over the Sarmatians and Germans, which were celebrated on coins minted in 176. Despite these military achievements, Marcus Aurelius faced significant challenges, including a serious illness and a rebellion led by Avidius Cassius, the Syrian governor. These conflicts marked his reign, forcing him to balance both military and internal strife while maintaining the stability of the empire. Though his wars were fought reluctantly, Marcus Aurelius emerged as a resilient leader, constantly defending the empire's vast boundaries.