Marcus Aurelius, denarius, silver, reign 161-180 CE, struck 161-180 CE

Marcus Aurelius, denarius, silver, reign 161-180 CE, struck 161-180 CE, 3.30 g, 18 mm. Obverse: laureate bust of Marcus Aurelius right; legend M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX. Reverse: Pax standing left holding olive branch in right hand and cornucopia in left; legend TR P XX IMP IIII COS III. Strike: well-centred strike with full legends; slight flatness on highest hair locks and reverse drapery folds. Toning: light uniform cabinet toning with grey-gold highlights. References: RIC III 159; BMCRE 344; RSC 532; ID Number L5-98. The coin belongs to the early sole reign of Marcus Aurelius, issued after the successful campaigns against Parthia that concluded in 166 CE. The obverse legend celebrates victories in Armenia and Parthia, while the reverse type of Pax reflects the emperor’s aim to advertise the restoration of peace following those conflicts. Denarii of this series were struck at Rome and formed the principal silver currency used to pay troops, settle state expenses, and circulate in daily commerce throughout the empire. The legends document Marcus Aurelius’s tribunician power for the twentieth time and his fourth acclamation as imperator, allowing precise placement of the issue to the years 165-166 CE.