Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar AD 139-161. Rome
Denarius AR

18 mm, 3,14 g

AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII FIL, bare head right / TR POT VI COS II, Genius Exercitus sacrificing from patera over altar and holding legionary eagle.

Very Fine

RIC 453a; RSC 645a

The depiction of "Genius Exercitus" on ancient Roman coins presents a powerful symbol of the Roman army's spirit and dedication. The Genius Exercitus, a divine embodiment of the army's collective identity, is depicted in a ritualistic scene. Holding a patera, a shallow ritual dish, over an altar, the Genius Exercitus is shown in the act of making a sacrifice, underscoring the army's devotion to the gods and the state. The presence of the legionary eagle, a revered military emblem, further reinforces the strong connection between the divine and the army's prowess. This imagery not only illustrates the army's commitment to the Roman values of discipline and strength but also conveys the notion that success in battle was intertwined with divine favor. These coin depictions serve as a visual testament to the profound fusion of religious devotion and military might within the Roman Empire.