Æ19 - Marcus Aurelius ΑΦΡΟΔΕΙϹΙΕΩΝ

Aphrodisias held an unusually privileged relationship with Rome — the city had been granted freedom and immunity from taxation by Augustus, a status repeatedly confirmed by successive emperors. Coins struck under Marcus Aurelius here carry that civic confidence. The city's exceptional autonomy meant its magistrates exercised genuine control over local bronze coinage, including this issue from the final two years of Marcus Aurelius's reign, when he was campaigning on the Danube frontier and co-ruling with his son Commodus.