Lucius Aelius Caesar was briefly Caesar and heir to the emperor Hadrian, and the father of Emperor Lucius Verus.
Although Lucius had no military experience, he had served as a senator, and had powerful political connections; however, he was in poor health. In 136 he was adopted by Hadrian and named heir to the throne - much to the surprise of everyone.
To strengthen his position, he was sent to the frontier to acquire more military experience. After a year's stationing on the Danube frontier, Aelius returned to Rome to make an address to the senate on the first day of 138. The night before the speech, however, he grew ill, and died of a haemorrhage.
Although Lucius had no military experience, he had served as a senator, and had powerful political connections; however, he was in poor health. In 136 he was adopted by Hadrian and named heir to the throne - much to the surprise of everyone.
To strengthen his position, he was sent to the frontier to acquire more military experience. After a year's stationing on the Danube frontier, Aelius returned to Rome to make an address to the senate on the first day of 138. The night before the speech, however, he grew ill, and died of a haemorrhage.
(1)
Aelius Caesar
Obverse: L AELIVS CAESAR, Bare head of Aelius facing right
Reverse: TR POT COS II, Concordia seated facing left, holding patera and resting arm on cornucopia; CONCORD in exergue
Diameter:
19 mm
Die Orientation: 6 H
Weight: 2.86 g
Die Orientation: 6 H
Weight: 2.86 g
Aelius as "Caesar" under Hadrian as Augustus
RIC II Hadrian 436
(2)
Aelius Caesar
An
BL
Tetradrachm
struck 136-137 AD
in
Alexandria
Obverse: head right; Λ AIΛIOC__KAICAP
Reverse: Homonoia half left, holding cornucopia and patera over altar; ΔHMEΞO_V_C VΠAT B
Diameter:
22.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 12.5 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 12.5 g
late 136 - 28 Aug 137 AD
RPC III 6141; Emmett 135
(3)
Aelius Caesar
Obverse: L AELIVS CAESAR - Bare head right.
Reverse: TR POT COS II - Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae.
Diameter:
17.6 mm
Die Orientation: 6 H
Weight: 2.63 g
Die Orientation: 6 H
Weight: 2.63 g
No notes for this coin
RIC II 430.