Ring with Marcus Aurelius denarius

Ring with Marcus Aurelius denarius
ITEM: Ring with Marcus Aurelius denarius. Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII , laureate head right. Reverse: IMP VI COS III , Marcus Aurelius Standing left, holding branch and scepter. References: RIC III 296 and Sear 4906
MATERIAL: Silver
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 173 - 174 A.D
DIMENSIONS: 24 mm x 25 mm, 20 mm diameter (inside). 24 EU, 10,5 USA.
CONDITION: Good condition. Original coin within a modern handmade silver ring.
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in Austrian auction house (Coin)

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 CE, best known for his philosophical outlook and his embodiment of the "philosopher-king" ideal. Born in 121 CE, Marcus Aurelius came from a prominent family and was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius, who groomed him to be his successor. Marcus Aurelius was heavily influenced by Stoicism, a philosophical school that emphasized rationality, self-discipline, and virtue as the highest values in life. His personal writings, known as the Meditations, provide a remarkable insight into his Stoic beliefs and are still studied today as a profound work of ethical philosophy. Unlike many of his predecessors, Marcus Aurelius was deeply introspective and sought to rule in accordance with wisdom, justice, and humility, aiming to balance his philosophical ideals with the practical demands of leading an empire.

Despite his intellectual nature, Marcus Aurelius’ reign was marked by nearly constant military conflict, particularly along the northern borders of the Roman Empire. He spent much of his time as emperor on campaign, defending Rome from Germanic and other barbarian tribes that threatened the empire’s stability. These military challenges, combined with a devastating plague that swept through the empire during his rule, made Marcus Aurelius' reign one of struggle and hardship. Nevertheless, he is often remembered for his perseverance and commitment to his duties as emperor, striving to maintain the empire's security while upholding his moral values.

Marcus Aurelius’ legacy is complex. On the one hand, he is remembered as one of the "Five Good Emperors, " a ruler who governed with wisdom, fairness, and a deep sense of duty. His Meditations continues to inspire thinkers, scholars, and leaders for its profound insights into leadership, ethics, and personal responsibility. On the other hand, his death marked the end of the Pax Romana, the long period of relative peace and stability in the Roman Empire. His decision to allow his son Commodus to succeed him ultimately led to instability, as Commodus' misrule contributed to the empire's eventual decline. Nonetheless, Marcus Aurelius remains a figure of great admiration, both as a philosopher and as a conscientious ruler.

Measurement:

2.5 x 2.4 cm