Marcus Aurelius. To whom this site is repectfully dedicated. Two AE Drachms of Roman Egypt. (Not for sale.)

The first is a (just acquired) *very rare* portrait as a younger man - Caesar under his adopted father, Antoninus Pius. It was struck between 147-148 AD. Marcus was born at Rome in 121 AD.

The reverse of the first, younger portrait bears the image of Dikaiosyne - symbol of equity, fair dealing, etc.

The second is Marcus, much older, war-worn ... very tired, struck in his twelfth year as Augustus ...circa 173 AD. Also a *very rare" coin. He died in 180 - (His son, Commodus, was installed as Caesar from 174 to 177 AD, as co-emperor from 177 to 180 AD and as the sole Augustus from 180 - 192 AD.

The reverse of the second is Ares, the Greek God of War. There is no doubt that Marcus wanted to reign in peace, as did Antoninus Pius. He was dragged into one war after another as the barbarians pushed into Roman territory.