Marcus Aurelius Denarius, Mercury (RIC III 285)

Catalog Reference

RIC III Marcus Aurelius 285

Ruler

Marcus Aurelius

Denomination

Denarius

Date

172 AD-173 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Silver

Portrait Type

laureate

Obverse

M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII

Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right

Reverse

RELIG AVG IMP VI COS III

Mercury, wearing petasus and short cloak, standing front, head left, holding patera in extended right hand and caduceus in left hand

About This Type

This RIC III Marcus Aurelius 285 is a denarius of Marcus Aurelius (172 AD-173 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Mercury, wearing petasus and short cloak, standing front, head left, holding patera in extended right hand and caduceus in left hand.

About the Denarius

The denarius was the standard Roman silver coin, struck from around 211 BC through the mid-third century AD. It typically weighs 3.5–4.0 grams and measures 17–20mm. Republican issues are cataloged under Crawford (RRC); imperial issues follow RIC volumes by ruler.

About the Rome Mint

The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.

All Marcus Aurelius coins Rome mint All Denarius coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC III Marcus Aurelius 285?: RIC III Marcus Aurelius 285 is a Silver Denarius of Marcus Aurelius (172 AD-173 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Marcus Aurelius 285.
How do you identify RIC III Marcus Aurelius 285?: The obverse depicts Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right with the inscription M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII. The reverse depicts Mercury, wearing petasus and short cloak, standing front, head left, holding patera in extended right hand and caduceus in left hand with the inscription RELIG AVG IMP VI COS III. Portrait type: laureate.