Watch List notes:

Marcus Aurelius (161-180), Medallion, Rome, AD 173; AE (g 41,21; mm 39; h 12); M ANTONINVS - AVG TR P XXVII, laureate bust l., seen from behind, holding spear and wearing aegis, Rv. IMP VI COS III, Marcus Aurelius in military dress, holding sceptre and trophy, going r. to a triumphal arch surmounted by quadriga of elephants; before him, a soldier; behind, Victory crowning Emperor; on background, various builnding including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus; in ex. ADVENTVS AVG. Gnecchi p. 27, n. 2, pl. 59,5.
Extremely rare. An awesome portrait and a detailed reverse composition made by a skilled Master engraver. A lovely delicate and homogeneous riverine patina: about fdc / good extremely fine.

The workmanship of this medallion is not only pleasing to the eye, but is worthy of careful study, for the reverse is engraved with a technique that could only be employed by an artist of remarkable talent. The artist of this reverse die created a multi-layered scene by engraving figures and buildings on different planes, thus giving the illusion of far greater depth than can literally exist on a piece of this scale. It is a brilliant work of art on every level: style, composition, invention and technique.

Estimate: 20000 GBP