Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 29.76 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 173.

Electronic Auction 457
Lot: 288. Estimated: $ 500

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Sold For $ 900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 29.76 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 173. Laureate head right / Mercury standing left on pedestal, holding caduceus and purse, within temple with figural columns (telamones); on semicircular pediment: tortoise, cockerel, ram, caduceus, winged helmet, and purse; RELIG AVG in exergue. RIC III 1075; MIR 18, 258-6/30; Banti 256. Dark green patina with touches of red, some minor smoothing. VF. Rare.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 237 (7 March 2016), lot 1908; Giessener Münzhandlung 71 (3 March 1995), lot 683.

This type is thought to refer to the famous rain miracle of the “Thundering Legion.” While battling Quadi forces along the Danube in AD 173, the Legio XII Fulminata, exhausted by thirst, was close to falling to their opponents. Defeat seemed eminent until a sudden rain storm reinvigorated the Roman troops while frightening the enemy. Marcus attributed the storm to the grace of Mercury, while an alternative Christian version, one that appears to have been established quite early, gave credit to the prayers of Christian soldiers serving in the legion.

Closing Date and Time: 4 December 2019 at 11:35:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.