Aureus - Marcus Aurelius COS II; Hilaritas
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 145-160 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#260516 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hilaritas, draped, standing left, holding long palm in right hand and cornucopiae in left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS II
Translation:
Consul Secundum.
Consul for the second time.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin of Marcus Aurelius (COS II; Hilaritas) features a unique design on its reverse side, depicting the Roman goddess of happiness, Hilaritas, standing left, holding a flower and raising her right hand in a gesture of salutation. This design was a departure from the traditional reverse designs of Roman coins, which usually featured images of gods, goddesses, or personifications of abstract concepts. The use of Hilaritas on the coin may have been a nod to Marcus Aurelius' philosophical beliefs, as he was known for his interest in Stoicism and the pursuit of happiness through virtue and self-control.
