Sorry for the play on words but I have gone crazy again. Instead of maintaining my focus on my collection I have distracted myself again. This time I have bought four coins of Marius. I won't keep them for long but thought it worth sharing them here. Obv:– IMP C MARIVS P F AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev:– SAEC FELICITAS. Felicitas standing left, holding long caduceus and cornucopia Minted in Trier? Reference– RIC 10; Coh. 13; Elmer 634 The reverse is better than the obverse. It looks like the obverse die was worn. 2.81 g. 19.62 mm. 180 degrees Obv:– [IMP C] M AVR MARIVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev:– VICTORI[A AV]G, Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm frond. Minted in Trier Reference– RIC 17. Schulzki 7b, Elmer 638, Cunetio 2509 Nice portrait. Uneven and slightly off-centre strike. 2.78 g. 21.35 mm. 0 degrees Obv:– IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev:– VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm. Minted in Cologne Reference– RIC 18. C. 20. Elmer 636. AGK 6 a. Example 1:- 2.85 g. 20.33 mm. 180 degrees Well centred. A decent strike on both sides. Some corrosion on the obverse. Example 2:- 2.84 g. 19.70 mm. 0 degrees Very attractive portrait. Slightly off-centre stroke on both sides. A couple of edge splits. Some subdued silvering.
Very nice @maridvnvm .... Only have one ... MARIUS. Romano-Gallic Emperor, 269 AD. Obverse..IMP CM AVR MARIVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse..VICTORIA AVG, Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm. RIC#17...Mint Trier?
Marius' three months of reign produced only a little varied coinage, whose political message is centered on his good understanding with the army (CONCORDIA MILITVM), the victory (VICTORIA AVG), the courage of the emperor ( VIRTVS AVG), and the happy times (SAEC FELICITAS) which should naturally follow. Here’s my only one, but I have some Victorinus featuring his predecessor’s portrait.
Awesome coins! I recognise those ones - I think they were from the recent Elstob auction? I have a couple of Mariuses (?) in my collection. Marius - VICTORIA AVG. Somewhat overcleaned and corroded, but with an OK portrait, and was relatively cheap on eBay Same type but in a little nicer condition.
Yup. It'll be one missing from mine too. I have the surrounding emperors now but Marius will be a gaping hole. Those dang Gaelic usurpers...
I can easily afford one, but opportunity cost rears it's head. One day, I'll just buy it and be done with it.
Nice Marii! I currently only have one in my collection Although I've owned and sold several more (And a couple more I don't have handy photos of) And for good measure, an early Victorinus with Marius' bust
I did own three others in the past but I parted with them as they were peripheral to my collecting focus.
Marius, AD 269. AE Antoninianus. 17Mm, 2.6g, 6h; Mainz or Trier, AD 269. Obv.: IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev.: VICTORIA AVG Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm frond. Reference: RIC 18.
