Lot 128: Marcus Aurelius. A.D. 161-180. AE Sestertius. Rome mint, struck A.D. 173. gFine. "Miracle of the Rain"

Marcus Aurelius. A.D. 161-180. AE Sestertius (26.12 g, 32.2 mm). Rome mint, struck A.D. 173. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate head right, draped left shoulder / IMP VI COS III, RELIG AVG in exergue, S C across field, Mercury standing left within tetrastyle temple with herms for columns, semicircular pediment containing a cock, ram, petasos, winged caduceus and purse. Banti 257, RIC 1075 var (bust type), BMCRE 1441var (same). gFine. This type is thought to refer to the famous rain miracle of the “Thundering Legion”. While battling Quadi forces along the Danube in A.D. 173, the Legion 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.

• Offered By: VAuctions
• Lot #: 128
• Listing #: 226740
• Closed: Thursday, February 14, 2013 5:03:30 PM CT
• Estimate: $400