Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 496 21 Jul 2021
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Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius (31mm, 26.32 g, 5h). 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 patina, areas of minor smoothing. Near VF.
From the Stein A. Evensen Collection. Ex Elsen 121 (14 June 2014), lot 266.
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.
From the Stein A. Evensen Collection. Ex Elsen 121 (14 June 2014), lot 266.
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.