Thrace. Philippopolis. Aelius, as Caesar AD 136-138.
Bronze Æ

28 mm, 13,83 g

Λ ΑΙΛΙΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ, bare head of Aelius to right / ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, Apollo standing front, head to left, holding patera in his right hand and two arrows in his left.

Good Very Fine

RPC III 754.10; Varbanov 646.

Ex Lanz 164, Lot 193. Lucius Aelius Caesar (AD 101–138) was the adopted heir of Emperor Hadrian, holding the title of Caesar from AD 136 until his death in AD 138. Born as Lucius Ceionius Commodus, he came from the distinguished Ceionia gens. In AD 136, Hadrian, lacking a biological heir, unexpectedly chose Lucius Aelius as his successor. This decision may have been influenced by political strategy or alliances, rather than Aelius's capabilities, as he was known more for his aristocratic connections than military or administrative experience. As Caesar, Aelius was granted significant honors. Hadrian bestowed upon him the title Princeps Iuventutis ("Prince of Youth") and appointed him consul in AD 137 to reinforce his legitimacy as the next emperor. However, Aelius was in poor health throughout his life, suffering from chronic illnesses that raised concerns about his suitability for leadership. In preparation for his future rule, Aelius was entrusted with governing certain provinces and received the outward signs of imperial authority. Nevertheless, he died suddenly in January AD 138, reportedly from a hemorrhage, just months before Hadrian's own death. His premature death forced Hadrian to adopt Antoninus Pius as a new heir, with the condition that Antoninus adopt both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, Aelius's son, ensuring a stable succession for the empire. Coins issued during Aelius's time as Caesar prominently featured his image and inscriptions like "L AELIVS CAESAR," signaling his role as the designated successor. These coins served both to legitimize his claim and to introduce him to the Roman populace. Though Lucius Aelius Caesar never ruled, his brief tenure as heir was crucial in shaping the future of the Roman Empire through the establishment of the Antonine dynasty.