The Roman silver denarius of the mid to late 2nd century AD represented the backbone of Roman monetary circulation during the height of the empire’s territorial extent and relative prosperity. By this period, the denarius had evolved significantly from its original introduction in 211 BC, both in terms of weight standards and silver content, with gradual debasement becoming increasingly apparent. This particular Roman AR Denarius not only boasts a Choice About Uncirculated grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), but also an impressive 5/5 grade for both the strike and surface. Today, the Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius Coin is available at JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Comes with an individual slab!
• Struck by the Roman Empire in the late 2nd century AD!
• Produced during the reign of Marcus Aurelius!
• NGC Ancient certification of Choice About Uncirculated!
• 5/5 designation for strike and surface!
• Contains approximately 3.4 grams of actual silver content.
• A bust of Marcus Aurelius is on the obverse.
• The allegory Concordia is on the reverse.
• Please note that the coins in this listing may vary slightly in appearance, condition, and specific design.

The denarius issued during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) circulated during a period marked by both military challenges along the frontiers and philosophical reflection, as the emperor himself was a noted Stoic thinker. Marcus Aurelius faced near-constant warfare, particularly along the Danube frontier during the Marcomannic Wars, as well as a devastating plague that swept through the empire. 

This Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius is a Choice About Uncirculated specimen with stunning 5/5 designations for both the strike and surface. Strike refers to a strong, centered design, while surface refers to the overall condition of the coin. A 5/5 surface indicates only light or trace signs of aging for the coin. Overall, this piece has bright, largely untoned fields with a satin-frost luster.

The design of Roman Empire Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius Coins showcased sophisticated propaganda that emphasized both military victory and philosophical virtues appropriate to his reign. The obverse invariably featured the emperor’s portrait with his distinctive curled beard and thoughtful expression, accompanied by his titles and honors, while the reverse displayed an enormous variety of themes, including military scenes, personifications of virtues such as Providentia and Clementia, and references to specific campaigns or achievements. In the case of Concordia, the design references the Roman goddess of harmony, understanding, and societal agreement.

Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about ancient silver coins for sale. Our team is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.