Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 24.71 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 173. Near VF.

Triton XXVII – Session 6
Lot: 6177. Estimated: $ 150

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Sold For $ 190. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 24.71 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 173. Laureate head right / RELIG AVG in exergue, Mercury standing left on pedestal, holding purse and caduceus, within a tetrastyle temple; on tympanum, a tortoise, cock, ram, caduceus, winged helmet, and purse. RIC III 1075; MIR 18, 258-6/30; Banti 256. Green and brown patina, slight porosity, scratches, edge smoothing. Near VF.

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection, purchased from John Jencek, 20 May 2011.

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: 18 January 2024 at 10:58:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer’s fee.