Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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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.
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.