Marcus Aurelius Denarius

When I read disturbing headlines in the news...

...I reach for the Good Book for comfort. I turn also to the words of great figures from history. The quotes attributed to Marcus Aurelius are some of the most inspiring words I've ever read. Reading the many quotes attributed to this great man inevitably lead me to ancient coin shopping. Most roads seem to lead me there eventually!

My apologies—I don't have this coin in hand yet and I wanted to post this right away. These are the photos of my outstanding and trusted ancients dealer.



And a few inspiring quotes.

 

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Outstanding example.

 

Very nice, great detailed portrait.

 

Very nice, and the quotes are timely as well.

 

Marvelous!

In the midst of tragedy, I'm always reminded of this quote from Mr. Rogers:



Erin

 

My copy of Meditations is a bit bookmarked. What I love so much about his writings is that you dont have to be of any particular religion, race, political affiliation, etc., to appreciate what he had to say.



Some of my favorite passages:

"There is a type of person who, if he renders you a service, has no hesitation in claiming the credit for it. Another...will secretly regard you as in his debt and be fully conscious of what he has done. But there is the man who, one might almost say, has no consciousness at all of what he has done..."
Book Five, 6

"To pursue the unattainable is insanity, yet the thoughtless can never refrain from doing so."
Book Five, 17

"To refrain from imitation is the best revenge."
Book Six, 6 (my ultimate best quote, and taken to heart every day).

 

Terrific example @Deacon Ray !! I often re-read my copy of 'Meditations" as well

 

The Meditations open with MA listing a number of people that taught him valuable lessons in his life. That inspired me to write something similar - to reflect on the people that made sacrifices to make my life a better place, and to appreciate the lessons they taught me. It's a writing exercise I think would benefit anyone that tried it.

Superb coin!

 

I really like the flow lines around the legends on both sides.

An outstanding coin and presentation.

I need to read M. Aurelius works, added to my kindle reading list.

John

 

Super coin! I've always thought that his coins of later age were sometimes surreal looking in comparison to the other emperors of the time.But yours is an exception and looks quite life like lovely detail!
Congrats

Saludos Paul

 

Sweet coin and great quotes. I don't have any silver of MA... I should correct this.

This dupondius (174 AD) was issued while he was composing his Meditations on campaign:

As Caesar, AE as, issued 143 AD under A. Pius:

 

Great denarius, beautiful obverse! I picked up a copy of Meditations last winter at a flea market.

I'll paraphrase one of the my favorite points he makes several times.

If someone is an @$$h()l3, it's their problem, not yours. Don't make it your problem.

I need to be reminded of this sometimes.


Here is a coin of MA I like way more than it's appearance suggest I should.



Marcus Aurelius. Sestertius. 145 AD.

O AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F, bare head right R: TR POT COS II S-C, Minerva standing right, holding spear and resting hand on shield. RIC 1248 (Ant. Pius); Cohen 596; Sear 4811. Rome mint. 32 mm, 21.7 g.

 

That is a beautiful example @Deacon Ray

 

Excellent coin and quotes, DR. Meditations is really chockful of useful and timeless wisdom.


DIVUS MARCUS AURELIUS
AE Sestertius. 25.61g, 31.9mm. Rome mint, AD 180, struck under Commodus. RIC 660. O: DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS, bare head right. R: CONSECRATIO, Eagle, carrying a thunderbolt in its talons, flying right, bearing aloft Marcus Aurelius, who holds a sceptre; S-C across fields.
Ex HD Rauch Summer Auction, 15 September 2008, lot 621

 

I would love to have a denarius as nice as the OP, but, alas, I don't. But here is a nice sesterius with beautiful coloring:

MARCUS AURELIUS
AE Sestertius
OBVERSE: M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARMATICVS, laureate head right
REVERSE: TR P XXIX IMP VIII COS III S-C, Annona standing left, holding corn-ears & cornucopiae; modius with two corn-ears and poppy at her feet
Struck at Rome, 175 AD
22.3g, 30mm
RIC 1154

 

Very nice. A great portrait on it.


Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180 A.D.)
AR Denarius
O: M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM, Laureate head right.
R: TR P XXX IMP VIII COS III, Roma standing left holding Victory and spear.
3.5g
19.38mm
RIC 352; RSC 929a; BMC 669

 

Great coins Everyone, here is my 5 cents:

 

I have found myself discussing the incident objectively with co-workers and family members. Pondering semantics, tiny details, or what-ifs. After a little introspection tonight, I think I need to add a little more compassion to my thoughts and discussions. I live only 115 miles away from LV. My boss was about 3/4 mile away at New York New York on vacation and could hear the shots. I also had a co-worker who live streamed from the concert on social media; but then took it down after; as she had called in sick yesterday to go to the concert. She is denying it and suppressing what happened for the sake of not getting caught in a lie. It hit closer to home than I thought. I can't imagine what it would be like to be there.

For the sake of the thread; my favorite Marcus. I own 2 translations of The Meditations to read side by side; but haven't finished them yet.

 

Awesome coin

 

I'll pile on with my two most recent purchases of Marcus Aurelius....