A.D. 161–169 Roman Lucius Verus Denarius NGC VF

Lucius Verus, Rome’s First Co-Emperor!

During his long reign from A.D. 138–161, Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius was able to father only one child—a daughter. So, to ensure the continuance of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, he adopted not one, but TWO sons to take over after he was gone, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. The plan worked flawlessly and upon the death of Antoninus, the adoptive brothers jointly ruled the empire, marking the first time that more than one emperor ruled the vast Roman Empire at the same time.

Two Brothers, Two Emperors, One Empire

The Roman senate was prepared to confirm Marcus as sole emperor Following the death of Antoninus, but—and here’s an anomaly in Roman history—Marcus refused to take office unless Lucius was elevated alongside of him along with equal powers. This all occurred during the Pax Romana, a nearly two-centuries-long period of unprecedented relative peace and economic prosperity throughout the Roman Empire. There was a genuine love between the brothers for upon Lucius’ death from smallpox in 169, Marcus grieved mightily and followed his body back to Rome from the battlefields on the Danubian Border, staged elaborate games in his honor, and had him deified. Marcus would elevate his own son, Commodus as co-emperor in 177 and together they reigned jointly until Marcus died in 180. As sole emperor, Commodus slipped into megalomania and was assassinated in 192, thus bringing an end to the Pax Romana.

1,800-Year-Old Silver Denarii From Ancient Rome

During this era Roman emperors wore beards to make themselves seem more Greek and both Marcus and Lucius exhibited this style with great flowing beards. Lucius took it even a step further and is known to decorate his hair and beard with powdered gold! This silver Denarius features the image of this regal bearded pair and shows Lucius alongside Marcus and comes certified, graded, and authenticated by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in Very Fine (VF) condition—amazing quality given the coin’s age! A coin that proves brotherly love DID exist in the Roman Empire, don’t miss your chance to acquire this A.D. 161–169 Roman Denarius of Lucius Verus!