Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 28.80 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 161.

Triton XXIV
Lot: 1103. Estimated: $ 2 000

Roman Imperial, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 1 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (34mm, 28.80 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 161. IMP CAES M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG P M, bareheaded and cuirassed bust right / CONCORD AVGVSTOR TR P XV, S C across field, COS III in exergue, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, both togate, standing facing each other, clasping right hands and each holding volumen in left. RIC III 796; MIR 18, 16-6/15; Banti 24; BMCRE 848 var. (bust type). Attractive green patina, minor doubling on reverse. EF.

Ex CNG Inventory 495755 (November 2018); Goldberg 106 (4 September 2018), lot 1551 (since professionally conserved).

The scale armor worn by Marcus Aurelius in this remarkable sestertius is notable. Normally viewed as a peaceful philosopher-ruler, Marcus was forced to spend the majority of his reign leading armies at the frontiers of the Empire, which were under nearly continuous assault from a coalition of barbarian tribes. The epoch witnessed many changes in Roman armor, equipment and tactics to deal with the incursions, including the adoption of more utilitarian forms of protection than the ceremonial types worn by rulers on previous coins.

The final winners of all Triton XXIV lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 19-20 January 2021. This lot is in Session Four, which begins 20 January 2021 at 2 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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