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.
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 features one of the most beautiful portraits of Marcus Aurelius I have ever seen on a coin. Balanced, detailed and capturing an inspired look on the legendary face - a wonderful example of the coin die engraver's art.
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.
(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.
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).
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
