Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 165-166 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC III#146, OCRE#ric.3.m_aur.146 |
| Obverse description | Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
M ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS (Translation: Marcus Antoninus Augustus, Armeniacus. Marcus [Aurelius] Antoninus emperor (Augustus), conqueror of the Armenians.) |
| Reverse description | Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
PAX AVG TR P XX COS III (Translation: Pax Augusti, Tribunicia Potestate Vicesima, Consul Tertium. Peace of the emperor (Augustus), holder of tribunician power for the 20th time, consul for the third time.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (165-166) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1009565470 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver denarius, struck 165-166 AD, falls within the co-reign of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, a pivotal era of the Pax Romana facing external pressures. Marcus Aurelius, the "Philosopher Emperor," managed the costly Parthian War (161-166 AD) and Marcomannic conflicts. The reverse legend PAX AVG, with TR P XX COS III, likely celebrates the recent Parthian victory or expresses an aspiration for peace amidst ongoing military campaigns, projecting imperial stability.
Artistry: Roman imperial coinage, though not attributed to specific engravers, followed a stylistic school of idealized realism. The obverse typically presents a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius, capturing his mature, thoughtful expression with characteristic curly hair and beard. The reverse design features Pax, the goddess of peace, standing left, holding an olive branch and a cornucopia, a classical allegorical motif symbolizing imperial prosperity and tranquility.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a silver flan weighing approximately 3.2 grams and measuring 18 millimeters, this denarius represents standard imperial minting practices. Key high-points for evaluation include the intricate details of Marcus Aurelius's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and on the reverse, the facial features, drapery folds, and the distinct elements of the olive branch and cornucopia held by Pax. A well-struck example would exhibit strong, even pressure, resulting in full details across both obverse and reverse, with minimal flan imperfections.