Marcus Aurelius | Silver Denarius

History of the Artifact The Roman silver denarius during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180 CE) offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and priorities of his rule. Known as the "Philosopher Emperor," Marcus Aurelius presided over a period of significant turmoil, marked by military conflicts, economic strains, and internal unrest. The denarius served not only as a vital component of the Roman economy but also as a medium for conveying the emperor’s image, virtues, and policies to his subjects. On the obverse side of Marcus Aurelius’ denarii, his portrait is rendered with characteristic detail, depicting him as a calm and thoughtful ruler, often with a beard that symbolized his philosophical leanings and wisdom. The inscriptions around his image usually emphasized his titles and achievements, such as “IMP M ANTONINVS AVG”, affirming his status as Imperator and Augustus. These titles reinforced his legitimacy and authority during a time when the empire was under significant ex