Roman Empire, Aelius (Caesar 136-138 AD), Æ Sestertius

Aelius Caesar (Lucius Aelius Verus, c. 101–138 AD) was the adopted heir of Emperor Hadrian and held the title of Caesar from AD 136 until his death in AD 138. Born Lucius Ceionius Commodus, he came from a prominent Roman senatorial family and was unexpectedly chosen by Hadrian as successor, despite not having a strong military reputation. After his adoption he took the name Lucius Aelius Caesar and was entrusted with important public duties, including a command in Pannonia. However, his health was poor, and he died on 1 January AD 138 before he could succeed to the throne. His early death led Hadrian to adopt Antoninus Pius, who in turn adopted Marcus Aurelius and Aelius' son, Lucius Verus.

Numismatic note:

The coinage of Aelius Caesar was issued only during his brief tenure as heir to Hadrian, from AD 136 to 138. As he died before acceding to the throne, all of his imperial issues name him as Caesar rather than Augustus. His coins are historically significant as products of a short-lived succession and are appreciated for their elegant Hadrianic portrait style, limited issue period, and relative scarcity.

The sestertius was the large brass denomination of the Roman imperial coinage, usually weighing around 25–28 grams and measuring 30–35 mm in diameter. Its broad flan gave engravers ample space for some of the finest imperial portraits and most elaborate reverse designs in Roman numismatics.