169 NGC XF Marcus Aurelius Denarius Roman Empire Salus Snake Silver (20083001C)

Emperor Marcus Aurelius Roman Empire silver denarius coin, 168/169 CE, RIC 207, RSC 543. Dated denarius minted from Dec 168 TO Dec 169 CE (most likely 169 CE). Fully mature portrait style with full facial hair.  Certified by NGC to XF. Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIII, mature laureate head right.   Reverse: SALVTI AVG COS III, Salus standing left holding scepter and feeding snake twined around altar. Salus was the goddess of safety and welfare. Her temple on the Quirinal at Rome, dedicated in 302 BC, was the scene of an annual sacrifice on August 5.