AR Denarius of Marcus Aurelius

AR Denarius of Marcus Aurelius

money; coins (money)

Marcus Aurelius was a philosopher as well as ruler of the Roman empire from 161 CE-180 CE. His portrait represents his power as the last of the "Five Good Emperors" and his continued building of a prosperous empire. On the reverse side of the coin, Aequitas, who represents equality, holds a cornucopia and a scale. The cornucopia represents prosperity which continued under his reign. The scale held balanced in Aequitas’ hand, symbolizes justice, one of the founding principles of the Roman Empire, which is also at the core of Marcus Aurelius' philosophy.

Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome

RIC 3-359

ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)

176 CE

DR, VR

University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)

[no text]

Silver (metal)

Latin

Physical Object

2012.02.217

Roman Empire