Lucius Verus was a Roman emperor who, along with Marcus Aurelius, co-reigned from 161 to 169 AD. His full name was Lucius Aurelius Verus.
He was adopted by the reigning emperor Antoninus Pius, which made him a member of the prominent Antonine dynasty.
Lucius Verus is often overshadowed by his co-emperor Marcus Aurelius.
However, Lucius Verus played a significant role during his reign, particularly in the military campaigns against the Parthian Empire in the east.
Verus was known for his extravagant lifestyle and his love for entertainment, which contrasted with Marcus Aurelius’ more sober and philosophical demeanor.
During his reign, Lucius Verus faced various challenges, including military conflicts, natural disasters, and the Antonine Plague, which devastated the Roman Empire.
Lucius Verus died in 169 AD, possibly from the effects of the plague or another illness. His death marked the end of the Antonine dynasty, as Marcus Aurelius continued to rule as the sole emperor until his own death in 180 AD.
Despite their differences, the two emperors worked together to govern the empire.
Coins minted during the reign of Lucius Verus offer valuable insights into his era and the Roman Empire’s economic and political situation at the time.
These coins typically bear inscriptions and images that reflect the emperor’s authority, the empire’s expansion, and sometimes specific events or accomplishments.
Here are some common features found on Lucius Verus coins:
Portraits:
Like all Roman imperial coins, those of Lucius Verus feature his portrait, usually on the obverse (front) side.
These portraits depict the emperor wearing a laurel wreath or a crown, often with a beard. The style of the portrait can vary depending on the period and the mint.
Inscriptions:
Coins typically bear inscriptions in Latin, which can include the emperor’s name (L. VERVS AVG, for example), his titles (such as IMPERATOR or PONTIFEX MAXIMUS) and sometimes the mint location or the year of minting.
Imagery:
The reverse of the coin often depicts various symbols or scenes related to Roman mythology, military victories, or the emperor’s achievements. For Lucius Verus, this might include depictions of military standards, gods or goddesses, or scenes from battles.
Military Themes:
Given the military campaigns conducted during his reign, many coins of Lucius Verus feature military motifs, such as soldiers, weapons, or trophies.
Rarity and Collectibility:
The availability and collectibility of Lucius Verus coins can vary depending on factors like condition, rarity, and historical significance. Studying Lucius Verus coins provide valuable insights into his reign, the economy of the Roman Empire, and the artistic and cultural trends of the time.
Roman Imperial 166-167 AD Lucius Verus, Marcus Aurelius, Gold Aureus – Rare AU
23,795.00 US$
Weight: 7.21 g – Diameter: 18.00 mm
Catalog: RIC 573
Extremely rare Gold Aureus from Lucius Verus, as Co-Emperor of Marcus Aurelius, in a excellent extremely fine condition – a fantastic impressive and detailed portrait of Lucius Verus – perfectly centered – nice details at booth sides – full legends at booth sides – a very stunning example of this extremely rare type.
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Bust of Lucius Verus, laureate, cuirassed, right or Bust of Lucius Verus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Inscription: L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX
Translation: Lucius Verus Augustus, Armeniacus, Parthicus Maximus –
Translation: Lucius Verus, Augustus, conqueror of the Armenians, great conqueror of the Parthians
Reverse: Victory, winged, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm, sloped over left shoulder, in left hand
Inscription: TR P VII IMP IIII COS III
Translation: Tribunicia Potestate Septima, Imperator Quartum, Consul Tertium
Translation: Holder of tribunician power for the seventh time, Imperator for the fourth time, consul for the third time
Comment: Lucius Aurelius Verus (before his elevation to emperor Lucius Ceionius Commodus, Lucius Aelius Commodus, Lucius Aelius Aurelius Commodus; born December 15, 130 AD; died 169 AD in Altinum) was Roman Emperor together with Marcus Aurelius from 161 AD until his death. Between 162 and 166 AD, Lucius Verus led the Roman campaign in the east against the Parthian Empire (which the Gold Aureus presented here also refers to) the Arsacids, who had invaded Roman territories in Armenia in 161 AD, possibly in order to forestall an attack on their part . Lucius Verus is said to have been an excellent commander, with no qualms about delegating military tasks to more competent generals. Only later reports claim that Lucius Verus did not share the hard life of the soldiers on the campaign: he was, as they say, always surrounded by actors and musicians, enjoyed numerous banquets and other pleasures of life. What is certain is that he was initiated into the mysteries of Eleusis in 162 AD and thereby expressed his Philhellenism. Apparently, his supposedly cheerful nature was able to be transferred to the officer ranks without any harm, as the morale of the troops was high and the necessary actions of the army were not omitted: Lucius Verus was a very successful general who achieved his goals with skill operational leadership was of course (as usual) the responsibility of experienced officers, such as in particular the general Avidius Cassius and the praetorian prefect Titus Furius Victorinus; because neither Lucius Verus nor Marcus Aurelius had been allowed to gain any military experience under Antoninus Pius.
At the beginning of 168 AD, Lucius Verus crossed the Alps and went on an inspection trip to the Roman troops on the northern border. After the beginning of the Marcomannic Wars, the emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus moved into their headquarters in Aquileia in northern Italy in the fall of 168 AD in order to direct the fighting from there. At the beginning of 169 AD, when the “plague” broke out, both Augusti decided to return to Rome. On the way, Lucius Verus suddenly fell ill and died after a few days in the town of Altinum. According to later sources, some contemporaries doubted that Lucius Verus died naturally. His mother-in-law Faustina and his wife Lucilla, among others, were suspected of having arranged the murder with the knowledge of Marcus Aurelius. It was also rumored that Verus had had a sexual relationship with Faustina and was murdered by her after he revealed himself to Lucilla. However, there is no solid evidence for such suspicions. It is more plausible that Lucius Verus succumbed to the Antonine Plague, which in all likelihood was actually a smallpox epidemic. Although some doctors see a stroke as the cause, this diagnosis is based on an uncritical adoption of the information from the unreliable Historia Augusta, which portrays Verus as a drinker and glutton.
BL-85RIC57
Aureus 163-164 Rome Coin, Lucius Verus, Rome, Gold
23,685.00 US$
Weight: 7.27 g – Diameter: 19.30 mm
Mint mark: Rome
Obv. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right.
Rev. Lucius Verus seated left on platform, between an officer on his right and a soldier on his left; before him on the ground below, Armenian king Sohaemus standing left, raising his right hand to accept the crown placed on his head by Verus., Splendid aureus, well centered, vigorously struck and with pronounced reliefs, expressing the engraving in its smallest details. One can still clearly see the mint luster on this specimen which in all likelihood has circulated very little. Supplied with its old label. L·VERVS ΛVG ΛRMENIΛCVS, TR P IIII IMP II COS II / REX ΛRMEN DΛT in exergue.
Roman Bronzemedaillon Lucius Verus 161-169 BC
13,520.00 US$
Weight: 41.45g.
Bronze medallion, Roma, 164 AD
Catalog: Cohen –. Froehner –. Gnecchi –. Dressel –. Toynbee –. Schaaff, depictions of ships.
Obv: L AVREL VERVS AVG ARME–NIACVS IMP II TR P IIII COS II. Bare-headed bust in scale armor in ¾-back view on the left, part of the paludamentum visible on the right shoulder.
Rev: FELI–C AVG. Ship with billowing sail, six rowers and helmsman sitting with his right hand outstretched in the stern cabin, above wavy lines to the left. driving; on the stern two field signs and aplustrum, on the bow Victoria n.l. Standing, with his back to her, a man (hortator) sets the rowing rhythm.
Unedited unique item. Excellent, noble portrait of Lucius Verus, very detailed depiction of the ship. Beautiful dark green patina, almost extremely fine.
Roman Empire Sestertius (161) Lucius Verus 161-169 – Medallic Rome xf
9,195.00 US$
Extremely rare as such.
Weight 23,49 gr. – Bronze Ø 35mm.
Catalog: cf. Cohen 149 | cf. RIC 1304 | cf. BMC 864 | cf. MIR 216 | cf. Sear 5373 RRRR
Obv. Bare headed bust right, wearing cuirass and paludamentum IMP CAES L AVREL VERVS AVG
Rev. Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae PROV • DEOR • TRP • COS II, S – C in field, all within beaded circle.
Minted in the first year of his reign, which might be the reason for this medallic strike of this sestertius type. The dies are cut with special care.
Very well-struck, with excellent details and a dark brown patina. Masterpiece of the best style. XF
Roman Imperial Sestertius 164 AD. Lucius Verus Choice VF
2,375.00 US$
Material: Bronze
Weight: 24.10 g – Diameter: 31.00 mm
Catalog: RIC 1426; BMC 1256; Banti 116.
Obv: L AUREL VERUS AUG ARMENIACUS; laureate, cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus to the right.
Rev: TR POT V IMP II COS II; the emperor in military dress, standing to the left, flanked by four standards; in exergue: S C.
Scarce.
From the Lückger collection, reportedly acquired from or exchanged with P. Kalenberg in 1919.
Italy / Rome Sestertius 130-169 AD Lucius Verus EF+
2,000.00 US$
Material: bronze
Weight: 24.10 g – Diameter: 33.00mm
Catalog: RIC 1397
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