M ANTONINVS-AVG TR P XXIIII, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius right, seen from behind / FELICITAS-AVG COS III, Felicitas standing facing, head left, short winged caduceus in right hand, grounded scepter in left. RIC III 201. Cal. 1856. A splendid uncirculated coin, slabbed NGC AU, 5/5, 4/5, Fine Style. UNC. Marcus Aurelius is most famous for his "Meditations," a series of personal writings in koine Greek that he jotted down during the middle and latter years of his reign, often while campaigning against the northern Germanic tribes. Originally titled "To Himself," the document is a series of ruminations, admonitions and exhortations aimed at personal improvement. They reflect Marcus's stoic philosophy, his dutifulness, and a remarkable dedication to remaining humble and grounded despite his exalted position as absolute ruler of the world's greatest empire. Example: "Do not act as if thou wert going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over thee. While thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good." This deeply philosophical side of Marcus is captured in the portrait of this aureus, rendered by a master engraver.