Ancient Rome - AD 161-180 Marcus Aurelius AV Aureus NGC Choice VF

Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar (AD 161-180). AV Aureus (20mm, 7.12 gm, 5h). NGC Choice VF, Strike: 5/5 – Surface: 5/5. Rome Mint struck AD 145-147. Obverse: AVRELIVS CAES-AR AVG P II F COS II, bare-headed, draped bust of Marcus Aurelius right, seen from behind / HILAR-I-TAS, Hilaritas standing facing, head left, long palm branch in right hand, cornucopia cradled in left. RIC III (Antoninus Pius) 432. Calicó 1862. Wonderfully struck with superb cabinet toning.

From the Historical Scholar Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group, Mail Bid Sale 61 (25 September 2002), lot 1815

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

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.