Ancient Rome - AD 161-180 Marcus Aurelius AE Dupondius NGC AU

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AE Dupondius (26 mm, 12.49g, 12h). Rome mint. NGC Strike 4/5, Surface 3/5. 12.49g. Obverse: M ANTONINVS-AVG TR P XXIIII Radiate head of Marcus Aurelius facing right with aegis. Beaded border. Reverse: TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S-C Mars (god of war) standing facing to right, wearing full armor and Corinthian helmet, leaning spear on ground with right hand, balancing shield on ground with his left. References:  RIC III 865; MIR 18, 87-8/55. Sharply struck example with much detail visible. Rich green patina on both sides adds to the drama of this piece.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 377 (29 June 2016), lot 446.

Bust of Marcus Aurelius from the Glyptothek, Munich, Germany. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.  

Excerpts of the writings of Marcus Aurelius:

If you apply yourself to the task before you, following the right reason seriously, vigorously, calmly, without allowing anything else to distract you, but keeping your divine part pure, as if you might be bound to give it back immediately; if you hold this, expecting nothing, fearing nothing, but satisfied with your present activities according to nature, and with heroic truth in every word and sound which you utter, you will live happily. And there is no man who is able to prevent this.

Do not act as if you will live 10,000 years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.