154 NGC Ch XF Marcus Aurelius Caesar Roman Empire Denarius Minerva Rare Portrait (25082702C)

Choice Extremely Fine Roman Empire silver denarius coin. Struck for Caesar Marcus Aurelius at the Rome Mint during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Dated TR POT VIIII COS II = 154 to 155 CE. The Minerva reverse is the only denarius type issued for Marcus during TR POT VIIII. Rare youthful draped portrait not listed in RIC. RIC 463b variety, RSC 676a, approx 18mm. Caesar was used by emperors to designate their heirs, who would later adopt the title of Augustus when they became emperor. The title originated from the cognomen of Julius Caesar. Certified by NGC to Ch XF Lt Scratches (well blended and not distracting). Obverse: AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII FIL, bare bust right, drapery on far shoulder. Reverse: TR POT VIIII COS II, Minerva helmeted standing left, holding owl and resting left hand on shield, against left arm a spear. Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, commerce, handicrafts, poetry, the arts in general, and later, war.