Watch List notes:

Marcus Aurelius (161-180). Large Bronze Medallion, Rome mint,168 AD. Obv. M ANTONINVS AVG - ARM PARTH MAX. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right; dotted circle. Rev. TR P XXIII IMP V - COS III. Faustina II (as Venus), wearing long dress, seated left on throne with high back-rest, holding long sceptre and outstretching right hand towards two naked cupids bringing on large cornucopiae; around, dotted circle. Gnecchi Medaglioni II, 34, 56 and pl. 63, 6 ; BMC Medallions 11 and pl. 21,2; C. 909 (Fr. 300). AE. 49.22 g. 41.00 mm. RR. Very rare and spectacular, with a brilliantly executed portrait, undoubtedly created by a master engraver, and a fascinating and finely detailed reverse composition. Enchanting deep emerald green patina, with lovely tan-yellow deposits. A few tiny marks, otherwise EF/About EF. Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger 414, 2015, 204. ���

Under the Antonines there was an increased interest in depicting both aristocratic and freed men and women in mythical guise. The models off course belonged to courtly circle. We know from Cassius Dio that Marcus Aurelius and Faustina minor were celebrated as Mars and Venus and that she was commonly represented as Venus.