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Roman Empire Lucilla Silver Denarius (164-182/3 AD) NGC Choice Very Fine
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This silver denarius was struck during the reign of Lucilla, daughter of Marcus Aurelius and wife of Lucius Verus, who held the title of Augusta from AD 164 until her execution in 182/183 following her involvement in a failed conspiracy against her brother, Emperor Commodus. Issued at the height of the Antonine dynasty, coinage bearing Lucilla's portrait served both ceremonial and propagandistic purposes, reinforcing the imperial family's legitimacy during a period that would later be romanticized as Rome's golden age. This piece has been certified Choice Very Fine by NGC Ancients and originates from the SPQR Collection, representing well-preserved imperial silver from one of Rome's most storied dynasties.
The obverse displays a finely detailed draped bust of Lucilla facing right, her elaborate coiffure rendered in the refined style characteristic of Antonine portraiture. The legend LVCILLA AVGVSTA encircles the portrait, proclaiming her imperial status. The reverse depicts Pietas standing left, raising her right hand in gesture and holding incense box, accompanied by the legend PIETAS. The goddess Pietas represented dutiful respect toward family, gods, and state - virtues particularly emphasized in imperial propaganda during the Antonine period. Both sides exhibit sharp strikes with clear legends and well-preserved details across the central devices.
Graded Choice Very Fine by NGC Ancients, this denarius shows light, even wear consistent with careful circulation while retaining strong definition in both portrait and reverse imagery. The surfaces display attractive toning with good eye appeal and minimal imperfections. Roman imperial silver depicting empresses remains consistently popular among collectors of the Antonine dynasty and imperial portraiture, and examples from the SPQR Collection carry additional provenance appeal. This piece offers an accessible entry point into collecting one of Rome's most dramatic imperial families during their final decades of prominence.
We have multiple Choice Very Fine examples available for purchase, similar to the coin pictured here.
