This rare bronze AE21 coin was minted in Flaviopolis, a city in the province of Cilicia, during the reign of Antoninus Pius (138–161 AD). It was struck at a time when Marcus Aurelius was still a Caesar (heir to the throne), long before he became the famed philosopher-emperor in 161 AD. The coin’s design, featuring Marcus Aurelius on the obverse and Tyche on the reverse, reflects both the imperial propaganda of the era and the significance of Cilician cities in the Roman provincial system.
 
Cilicia, located in what is now southern Turkey, was a crucial region in the Roman world due to its strategic location, economic importance, and strong urban centers. It sat along major trade routes that connected Asia Minor, Syria, and the Mediterranean, making it a hub for commerce, grain production, and military movement.
 
Flaviopolis, the city named on this coin, was likely founded during the Flavian dynasty (69–96 AD), from which it gets its name. By the time this coin was struck, the city had developed into a local administrative and trade center, benefiting from Roman infrastructure, governance, and military presence.
 
Coins like this were issued for local circulation, helping to facilitate trade and reinforce loyalty to the ruling emperor. The fact that this coin prominently features Marcus Aurelius as Caesar suggests it was minted to promote his status as heir, ensuring that provincial subjects recognized the legitimacy of the coming transition of power.
 
The Importance of Marcus Aurelius as Caesar (139–161 AD)
Marcus Aurelius was formally adopted by Antoninus Pius in AD 138 under the orders of Hadrian, creating a clear line of succession. This was part of Hadrian’s grand political strategy: he first adopted Antoninus Pius as his heir, with the condition that Antoninus, in turn, adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, ensuring continuity of leadership.
By AD 139, Marcus Aurelius had been given the title Caesar, marking him as the heir-apparent.
From AD 140 onward, he became Consul and started assuming greater responsibilities in governance.
 
By the time this coin was struck (140–144 AD), Marcus Aurelius was actively being presented as the next emperor, and his image was featured on many provincial coins like this one to cement his recognition across the empire.
 
This coin, struck in Flaviopolis, Cilicia, was part of that imperial strategy, ensuring that even in the provinces, people understood who would eventually take the throne.
 
Why Tyche Appears on the Reverse
 
The reverse of this coin features Tyche (Fortuna in Roman culture), the goddess of fortune and protector of cities, depicted wearing a turreted crown and holding a cornucopiae. This imagery was extremely common in provincial coinage, especially in cities seeking to highlight their connection to Rome and showcase their prosperity.
 
Tyche as a Symbol of Stability
 
As a deity representing luck and protection, Tyche was often featured on coins to symbolize the city's well-being under Roman rule.
 
Her turreted crown represents city walls and fortifications, emphasizing the security and strength of Flaviopolis under the empire.
 
Cornucopiae – A Symbol of Roman Prosperity
 
The cornucopia (horn of plenty) symbolizes wealth, abundance, and economic success.
By including this, the city is aligning itself with the broader economic prosperity of the empire under Antoninus Pius' rule.
 
In summary, this coin’s reverse is a direct message from the city to its inhabitants, affirming that under Rome, Flaviopolis is secure, prosperous, and aligned with the imperial family.
 
Rarity & Collectability of This Coin
 
This AE21 bronze coin is considered very rare, with only a handful of known examples. The low number of recorded specimens (4 on CoinArchives, 7 in RPC databases) suggests that these coins were either produced in limited numbers or that few have survived.
 
Because this coin features Marcus Aurelius as Caesar rather than as Augustus, it holds historical importance as an early portrait of a future emperor, making it particularly interesting for collectors of Severan and Antonine dynasty coins.
 
Coins of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius as Caesar are often overshadowed by their later silver denarii, making these provincial bronze issues much rarer in the market. 
 
Why This Coin Matters in Roman History
 
✅ Represents a Pivotal Transition in Roman Leadership – This coin was struck at a time when Antoninus Pius was preparing Marcus Aurelius to take over, showing the imperial succession strategy at work.
✅ Highlights Cilicia’s Role in the Roman Provincial System – As a city in a wealthy and strategically important province, Flaviopolis issued coinage to strengthen its ties to Rome and promote economic growth.
✅ Features an Early Portrait of One of Rome’s Most Famous Emperors – Marcus Aurelius is best known for his philosophy (Meditations) and military leadership, and coins from his Caesar years (before AD 161) provide a glimpse into his early career.
✅ Rare Numismatic Piece – Given its limited known specimens, this coin is a valuable artifact from the Antonine period, offering a rare insight into both imperial succession and provincial coinage.