Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180. Æ Sestertius, 25.1g, 32mm, 11h; Rome, AD 170-171. Obv.: IMP M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV; Laureate head right. Rev.: PRIMI/DECEN/NALES/COS III/SC within wreath. Reference: RIC III 1006, p. 293. Scarce. Well, my last four purchases have all been silver, so I had to get me a hefty chunk of bronze to compensate. I'm sure you guys know how much I've always loved bronze coins from the start.Why I dare say there hasn't been a bigger advocate from bronze coins in this forum than I. You can trust my word. You know we never tell lies. Well, I suppose I should say why I bid on this coin. I have a third-century Sestertius, which is nice, but by that time the weight and size of these coins were on the decline. I wanted a Sestertius from the glory days before devaluation started to take its toll. Also, I've been trying to nab a coin of Marcus Aurelius for nearly a year, and despite him not being a particularly rare Emperor, I've had terrible luck at auctions and on dealer websites, always getting beaten to the coin I wanted. Anyway, please comment, post any relevant coins you wish to post, etc.
Congrats with your new chunky primi decennales sestertius, Sallent I just bought this Marcus Aurelius Dupondius , this one commemorates his secondo Decennales
In keeping with your honesty so perfectly displayed, I will show my Proof 71+ Diva Faustina sestertius of the same type. Your coin is compromised by being engraved and struck by official mint employees while mine is a fine example of free enterprise gone wild. I agree with TIF but insist your Wowie is matched by my Zowie/Zombie. Who took that photo? Five stars
I also managed to win a Marcus Aurelius this week. I wanted a nice portrait and an uncommon reverse so this is what I found. Marcus Aurelius. AD 161-180. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.12 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 166. Laureate head right / Victory standing right, holding palm frond and round shield inscribed VIC/PAR set on palm tree. RIC III 163; MIR 18, 141-4/30; RSC 878. EF, lightly toned. Ex Davissons 22 (28 April 2005), lot 95.
@Sallent, the OP coin is excellent and historical. A "hefty chunk of bronze" is always welcome. Most Roman coin collectors collect silver, but put a denarius alongside a sestertius in similar condition and I wonder how many collectors or non-collectors would prefer the sestertius because it is so big and impressive. Sestertius. Marcus Aurelius, posthumous. Struck under Commodus. 33-32 mm. DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS CONCERATIO around funeral pyre in four stories, ornamented with statues and garlands, facing quadriga on top. S C either side. Sear 5986. RIC (Commodus) 662 "R".
Pert' near a full TOZ! Purdy NICE! Love that Sestertius @Sallent ! I have a a couple: My FIRST coin I captured from @John Anthony ... RI Aurelius Marcus 161-180 AE Sestertius S-C I just received this one from Frank: RI MARCUS AURELIUS AR Den as Caesar TR POT VI COS II - Genius stg at altar hldg standard VF And, his Esposa: RI Faustina Jr 161-175 CE Ar Denarius m Marcus Aurelius 17.1mm 3g
I love flow lines that make it look like the figures are just bursting with glory, especially when it's Victory. A superb coin.
CNG's pics are de-saturated so that's it's easier to see the detail and surfaces. They do that intentionally. So yes, the coin will be better in hand.
That's a great-looking sestertius, Sallent, and a cool type too. Worn and crusty, but a favorite of mine. MARCUS AURELIUS AE Sestertius. 29.44g, 31mm. Rome mint, AD 173. RIC 1075; Cohen 535. O: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate head right. R: IMP VI - COS III, Mercury standing left on pedestal, holding caduceus and purse, within a tetrastyle temple with telamons as columns; semicircular pediment containing, from left to right, tortoise, cockerel, ram, winged helmet, caduceus, and purse; S-C in field, RELIG AVG in exergue. Notes: This type is popularly associated with the Rain Miracle of the Legio XII Fulminata (Thundering 12th Legion). According to Cassius Dio, the 12th Legion under the command of Marcus Aurelius had found themselves encircled and heavily outnumbered by a Quadi Army. Stricken with fatigue, thirst, and the heat, they were on the verge of capture when an Egyptian magician named Anurphis, a companion of the emperor, invoked the aid of Mercury as god of the wind and air. A sudden storm rose in the midst of the battle, reviving the Romans with rain while destroying their enemies with hail and lightning.
Sallent, congrats on adding a total winner (great eye appeal) Oh, and fantastic additions by the rest of the CT cast I only have one example of Marcus, but it's one of my favourite coins ...
