Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 85 17 Jun 2021
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Marcus Aurelius Ӕ Sestertius. Rome, AD 172-173. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / IMP VI [COS III], Mercury standing to left on pedestal, holding caduceus and purse, within tetrastyle temple with figural columns on two steps; tortoise, cock, ram, caduceus, winged helmet and purse in semi-circular tympanum; S-C across fields, RELIG [AVG] in exergue. RIC III 1074; C. 534; Banti 260; BMCRE 1441 var. (bust type). 30.29g, 30mm, 11h.
Near Very Fine. Very Rare.
From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
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 imminent until a sudden rain and thunderstorm reinvigorated the Roman troops, while frightening the enemy. Marcus Aurelius is said to have attributed the storm to the grace of Mercury, however an alternative Christian version of events that appears to have been established quite early gave credit to the prayers of Christian soldiers serving in the legion.
Near Very Fine. Very Rare.
From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
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 imminent until a sudden rain and thunderstorm reinvigorated the Roman troops, while frightening the enemy. Marcus Aurelius is said to have attributed the storm to the grace of Mercury, however an alternative Christian version of events that appears to have been established quite early gave credit to the prayers of Christian soldiers serving in the legion.