140 NGC XF Marcus Aurelius Roman Empire Denarius Caesar Juventas (23111201C)

Extremely Fine Caesar Marcus Aurelius Roman Empire denarius coin. Struck as Caesar (Emperor in training) during the reign of his adopted Father, Emperor Antoninus Pius. Approx 18mm, 3.17g, RSC 389a, RIC 423v (draped bust, not listed) Rated as scarce, Foss 2 (dated to 140 CE). Dated COS = 140 to 144 CE. Superb early portrait of Marcus Aurelius without facial hair! Commemorative issue struck to celebrate the assumption of the toga virilis (when sacrifices were made at the shrine of Juventas at the Circus Maximus). Certified by NGC to XF. Obverse: AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F COS, draped bust facing right. Reverse: IVVENTAS, Juventas standing left throwing incense upon altar, patera in right hand. Juventas was the Roman goddess of youth, equivalent to the Greek goddess Hebe.  A daughter of Zeus and Hera, Hebe was the cupbearer for the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, serving their nectar and ambrosia, until she was married to Heracles.