Roman Empire Lucius Verus 161-169AD Silver Denarius Fine-Very Fine

An authentic artefact of ancient Rome, the Lucius Verus Silver Denarius stands as a remarkable testament to a pivotal era in imperial history.

Born in 130 AD, Lucius Aurelius Verus was the son of Senator Lucius Ceionius Commodus, whom the emperor Hadrian adopted as his successor. Ceionius died in 138 AD and Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius. Upon his adoption, Antoninus was requested to adopt Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius as his heirs. During his younger years, Verus showed no interest in government; however, he did hold the positions of quaestor in 152 AD, as well as consul in 154 AD and 161 AD. He was an accomplished public speaker and poet who enjoyed the company of scholars, though he was known as a weak man addicted to licentious pleasures.

Marcus Aurelius Verus ascended to the imperial throne in 161 AD. He appointed Lucius  Verus as co-emperor – a first for the Roman Empire. The twin emperors shared equal constitutional status and powers. Verus did not have equal authority nor did he seem capable of his responsibilities. To strengthen the alliance between emperors, Marcus Aurelius’ daughter Lucilla was promised to Verus. Verus came to power in a time of military crisis in the East and misery from floods and famine in Rome.

In 162 AD, Verus was sent to lead the Parthian campaign. Verus remained in Antioch to indulge in the talents of his entourage of actors and musicians, leaving the success of the campaign to the generals. At the end of the campaign in 166 AD, Verus celebrated his triumph with Marcus in Rome. With the returning army, the plague was brought to the City of Rome. The plague placed a serious toll on the stricken Empire. Regions struggling as a result of war and famine were depopulated, with the epidemic continuing for the next 10 years.

Incursions from the Germanic tribes on the Danube frontier drew the attention of the emperors. As a show of force to reassert the Roman authority, both emperors led the army in 167 AD to the northern borders. Verus’ return journey would prove fatal, passing away from a stroke in Altinum. Marcus Aurelius had Verus buried at the Mausoleum of Hadrian and he was deified by the Senate. As an emperor, Lucius Verus lacked the talent and resolve of a gifted leader and was not free of vices. However, though he dallied in pleasures, he had a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his adopted brother and fellow emperor. Like many of his predecessors, Verus was immortalised in Roman coinage.