Aelius, Caesar, 136-138. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 31 mm, 30.85 g, 6 h), Rome, 137. L•AELIVS CAESAR Bare head of Aelius to right. Rev. TR POT COS II / S - C // SALVS Salus seated left, feeding serpent raising from altar from patera held in her right hand and leaning left on throne. BMC 1926. Cohen 44. RIC 2677. A beautiful example with a lovely portrait and a magnificent green patina. Light deposits, otherwise, about extremely fine.


As both his maternal and paternal ancestors were of consular rank, Aelius was a senator of the noblest descent. Born as Lucius Ceionius Commodus, he was adopted by the childless Hadrian in the summer of 136 and declared the heir to the throne. However, the new crown prince was in poor health and died on 1 January 138, leaving Hadrian without a successor once again. Upon the news of Aelius' passing, the sick and old emperor adopted Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus, who in turn adopted Aelius' son, Lucius Aelius Commodus, and a nephew of his wife named Marcus Annius Verus. These men would be the three next emperors Antoninus Pius (138-161), Lucius Verus (161-169), and Marcus Aurelius (161-180).