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Marcus Aurelius

M. Aurelius Antoninus

Dynasty: Adoptive and Antonine Dynasty

Augustus (AD 161-181)

Marcus Aurelius was born in AD 121, of Spanish ancestry being directly descended from Trajan's father. He held the rank of Caesar for 22 years before becoming Augustus in 161. Marcus Aurelius was a distinguished soldier who won impressive victories of the Germans and Parthians. History records him as a skilled and dutiful emperor. He is best known however for the twelve books of philosophic meditations written in the last decade of his reign. The only blight on Marcus Aurelius' reign was his choice of successor: his son Commodus


Obverse Legends on coins depicting Marcus Aurelius

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Coins of Marcus Aurelius currently available

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