08/09/2026
自哈德良開創蓄鬚風潮後,擁有最具標誌性「哲學家鬍子」的皇帝,大概就非奧里略莫屬了。奧里略步入中年後留著一臉濃密的鬍子,覆蓋了整個下巴、雙頰並向上延伸至鬢角,再加上深邃陰鬱的神情,使得他的錢幣肖像看起來就是個沉穩的哲學家,也與他對斯多葛哲學的投入與賢者身分十分契合。
不過奧里略的錢幣種類很多,即便是同樣背面題材的錢幣,正面很多時候有不只一個模具,而也明顯看得出是不同雕模師的作品而長得不一樣。
這枚第納里打製於西元167年,是奧里略在位第7年時發行,此時他46歲,算是壯年時期的肖像。正面肖像已經可以標誌性的鬍鬚,然而整個比例稍微瘦長,與其他晚年的版別相比看起來比較秀氣一些。
背面是象徵遠見的女神Providentia,在古羅馬宗教中是象徵先見之明與天意的神祇,常見的形象是手持法仗、權杖、富饒之角、火炬或是地球。在這個版別中,Providentia一手持法仗,一手持權杖,腳邊有一個圓形的球體就是地球的意象,象徵統治者擁有治理世界的遠見。
Minted right before the invasion of Germanic tribes from the north in 167 AD, this denarius of Marcus Aurelius already shows his iconic “philosophic” look. Although the portrait is somewhat more lean and gentle compared with his later issues.
The reverse depicts the goddess Providentia, the divine personification of the ability to foresee and make provision. She holds a scepter in one hand and a wand in the other, pointing slightly downwards towards a globe at her feet, which represents the Earth.
Marcus Aurelius. Denarius. Struck 167 A.D. Obv.: M. ANTONINVS AVG. ARM. PARTH. MAX. Laureate Bust of emperor, right. Rev.: TR. P. XXI IMP IIII COS. III. Providentia standing left, holding wand and scepter, globe at her feet. RSC 881. RIC 170.
2.79g, 19 mm
#古錢幣