Wear a Piece of History - and One of the Most Legendary Emperors of the Roman Empire - the Marcus Aurelius Silver Denarius Pendant

Please Note: This is an authentic Ancient Roman Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.

FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW

Rome! Perhaps more than any culture, we are fascinated by the legend and lore of this breathtaking ancient empire. Much of how we live and what we think in our Western world was birthed in the fabled cities and byways of this sprawling empire.

Legendary warrior and philosopher Marcus Aurelius is perhaps more famous today for the fictionalized portrayal of him in the movie Gladiator than his feats on the battlefield or still published works of philosophy. Marcus Aurelius was a successful emperor both on the battlefield and at home, strengthening and expanding the empire with a firm hand and keen insight. He is lauded as one of the Roman Empire's most successful leaders.

Your Roman Treasure Coin Pendant

• Denomination: Denarius
• Emperor: Marcus Aurelius, the Philosopher Warrior
• Ruling Period as Emperor: 161 - 180 AD
  
• Coin Date & Mint: 168 - 169 AD, Rome
• Coin Metal: Silver
• Bezel Metal: 14K Gold & Proprietary, Non-Tarnishing Sterling Silver
• Articulating Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2 mm
• Coin Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIII, laureate head of Marcus Aurelius
• Coin Reverse: SALVTI AVG COS III, Salus, with a patera and scepter, feeding a snake coiled around an alter(see notes below)
• Pendant Size Including Bezel Setting:  3/4” Across, 1 1/4” Tall - the width of a U.S. Nickel

April's Notes: Ahh, Marcus Aurelius, perhaps my favorite emperor. And, perhaps yours. His philosophical texts ring as true today as they did when he penned them.

This Denarius is one of the legendary "snake" issues. On the reverse is Salus, the goddess of safety, well-being, welfare, health and prosperity, feeding a snake who is coiled around an alter.

Snakes were revered by the Romans, and represented healing, powerful protection, and rebirth. Just as the caduceus (the symbol for the medical profession) features two coiled snakes around a central staff - an ancient symbol said by the Greeks to be carried by Hermes. The Romans depicted Mercury, the messenger of the gods, carrying the carrying the same staff.

The patera you see on this coin (the vessel Salus is using to feed the snake) is a shallow dish used in Roman religious ceremonies.

While on a slight angle, this denarius is almost what we call "zero die axis." When these coins were struck, the minters didn't care if the top of one side of the coin was also the top on the other side - what we call "Medallic Orientation." This coin is one of the rare ones you can wear it either side out.

(Please note: this information and much more will appear on your customized Certificate of Authenticity.)

Each ancient Roman coin was hand-struck by three people, and at the height of the Roman empire, coins were minted throughout the sprawling territories – even in military camps where coins were minted to pay soldiers. Lost or purposely hoarded, this ancient Roman Coin was discovered by metal detector and professionally conserved for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Why don't Marcus Aurelius coins say his name? A note on the legends of Marcus Aurelius Denarii...

Here is the long, well actually, the short of it: In the Roman Republic and Empire, names meant a lot - your name identified not just your association with your immediate family, but your greater clan. And those greater clans wielded power and political sway from minor to almost all powerful.

Now, keep in mind this is a simplified version, but it will get us where we need to be. Roman Emperors had their birth name, their successive titling, as they rose through the ranks from military to political, until finally becoming emperor.  And, remember, Marcus Aurelius was "adopted" by his predecessor, Antoninus Pius (an Emperor could choose someone to succeed him from outside his immediate family, "adopting" him as heir apparent).

So, Marcus Aurelius as we know him today, was successively:

Marcus Annius Catilius Severus at birth, Marcus Annius Verus in 124 AD, Marcus Aelius Aurelius Verus Caesar in 138 AD, and, when he became emperor in 161 AD, his official regnal name was Imperator Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus.

So, the Antoninus you often see on Aurelius' coins is part of his official regnal name. But I think we can all agree that the shortened "Marcus Aurelius" is much easier (at least for Hollywood movies and book credits).

Your Roman Coin Pendant comes with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. A Detailed, Multi-Page Color Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by April Knecht
3. Historic Brief: The Coins of the Roman Republic & Empire
4. A Mini Museum Frame to Display and Enjoy Your Treasure When You are not Wearing It
   
5. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card