Sharing the title of Augustus with his brother Marcus Aurelius,
history records Verus in a less-than-glowing light. Although an intelligent and
handsome man, he didn't seem much interested in political or military affairs.
Going through the motions, he followed his war generals who did the dirty work
while it was noted he enjoyed a hedonistic lifestyle on the road complete with a
traveling theater and frequent banquets to entertain him. It was on the return
of one of these battles that he died after a stroke. Consensus holds that his
greatest accomplishment was, unflatteringly enough, that he delegated
administrative duties to his much more capable brother.
AR Denarius and Marcus Aurelius
18 mm.
Obv. ANTONINVS AVGVR/III VIR R P C: Galley with four oarsmen and sweeps of oars
going left over the waves; helmsman seated
left, on right
Rev. ANTONINVS ET VERVS AVG REST/LEG VI: Standards and eagle, no
Victory on standard on right
BMC 501, RIC 443
AR Denarius 161--169 A.D.
18 mm.
Obv. L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS: Laureate head right
Rev. TR P VI IMP IIII COS II: Victory standing right, hanging shield inscribed VIC
