Lucius Verus AD 161-169. Rome
Denarius AR

18 mm, 3,36 g

IMP L VERVS AVG, bare head right / PROV DEOR TR P III COS II, Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae.

Very Fine

RIC 491; BMC 229.

Lucius Verus was a Roman emperor who co-ruled with Marcus Aurelius from 161 AD until his death in 169 AD. He was born in AD 130 as son of Aelius Caesar and became after his fathers death the adoptive son of Antoninus Pius. With his adoptive brother Marcus Aurelius, they ruled the Roman Empire, with both holding the title of Augustus. During their joint reign, Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius faced several military challenges, including the Parthian War. Lucius Verus took charge of the Eastern front and led Roman legions in campaigns against the Parthian Empire. However, Lucius Verus died in AD 169 , possibly due to a disease. After his death, Marcus Aurelius continued as the sole emperor until his own passing in AD 180.