EMPIRE, GOLD AUREUS OF MARCUS AURELIUS, Rome, ca. 161 AD, 7.387g, 5h. Calicó 1822. Lightly toned. High relief. Superb extremely fine. Privately acquired from Tradart; Jean Vinchon 1988 lot 605 Marcus Aurelius is well known for his philosophical work. Although he was the most powerful man in the Roman Empire, he dwelt on the emptiness of glory: Shall mere fame distract you? Look at the speed of total oblivion of all and the void of endless time on either side of us and the hollowness of applause... For the whole earth is but a point, and of this what a tiny corner is our dwelling-place, and how few and paltry are those who will praise you. It is ironic that such sentiments as these have preserved his fame to this day!