Obolos 23

Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. As (Bronze, 27 mm, 10.13 g, 12 h), struck under his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, Rome, 145. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG P II F COS II Bare head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. VOTA PVBLICA / S C Marcus Aurelius, on right standing left, and Faustina Junior, on left standing right, clasping hands before Concordia standing facing, head turned to right right to look at the heir apparent, placing her hands on their shoulders. BMC 1801. Cohen 1023. RIC 1269. Very rare. Well centered and struck, and with a dark brown patina. Surfaces slightly rough, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collection of J. Aiello.

This impressive reverse type commemorates the marriage of Marcus Aurelius to Faustina Junior, whereby the young Caesar was further bound to the house of his adoptive father, Antoninus Pius. The type, while a tribute to the festive occasion, additionally promotes the emperor's intention that Aurelius would succeed him, thus serving as a stabilizing factor to any who would have seen it.