Roman medallions were exceptional pieces—usually about twice the weight of contemporary bronze coinage, representing the work of the finest engravers and concentrating on a select number of themes—and were intended for presentation to high-ranking officials, foreign delegates, and the like. The succession was always of prime importance to the imperial family, and this piece struck between A.D. 166 and 169 portrays the young Commodus (born 161) and his brother Annius Verus (born 162), children of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina II. Commodus occupies the position of seniority on the left, and he would eventually become the emperor’s successor in 180; Annius died in September A.D. 169, establishing a terminal date for the piece. The theme of the four seasons on the reverse illustrates the "happiness of the times" proclaimed by the reverse legend.