AR Denarius, A.D. 164, Rome, 17.8mm, 3.25g, 0°, RIC III, 516.
Obv: L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS. Laureate head right.
Rev: TR P IIII IMP II COS II. Mars standing right, holding spear and resting hand on shield.
--------------------------------------------------
Lucius Aurelius Verus Augustus was Roman co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius, from 161 until his death. The emperor Hadrian chose Antoninus Pius as his successor on the condition that Verus and Hadrian’s great-nephew Marcus Aurelius were to be adopted by Antoninus as his sons and heirs. On the death of Antoninus, the Senate was prepared to confirm Marcus alone but he refused to take office unless Lucius was confirmed as co-emperor.

Marcus and Lucius proved popular with the people. The Tiber flooded in the spring of 162 and they gave the crisis their personal attention. During times of famine, the emperors provided for the citizens out of the official Roman granaries. Lucius was somewhat less esteemed than Marcus as his interests were said to be of a lower level. This opinion would be reinforced in the coming Parthian wars where he was criticized for an overly luxurious lifestyle.

Rebellion was brewing in Syria over the winter of 161-162 and in the spring of 162 Lucius went with an army to counter the uprising. Lucius spent most of the campaign at Antioch where he took up a mistress named Panthea and spent a good deal of time gambling. By early 166 the war was won and most of the credit for the success is attributed to his subordinate generals. On his return to Rome, Lucius was awarded with a triumph.

In the spring of 168, war broke out in the Danubian border when the Marcomanni invaded Roman territory. This war would last until 180, but Verus did not see the end of it. In late 168, Verus and Marcus Aurelius returned to Rome from the field and Verus fell ill in March of 169 with symptoms attributed to food poisoning, dying after a few days. Modern scholars believe that Verus may have been a victim of smallpox. Despite the minor differences between them, Marcus Aurelius grieved the loss of his adoptive brother. He accompanied the body to Rome, where he offered games to honor his memory. After the funeral, the Senate deified Verus.