Lot 8-122. Marcus Aurelius. A.D. 161-180. Æ sestertius. Rome, A.D. 172-173. Rare. "Miracle of the Rain".

Marcus Aurelius. A.D. 161-180. Æ sestertius (30.6 mm, 23.65 g, 1 h). Rome, A.D. 172-173. Rare. "Miracle of the Rain". M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII, laureate head right / IMP VI COS III, RELIG AVG, S-C, Mercury standing left on pedestal within tetrastyle temple with herms for columns, semicircular pediment containing a cock, ram, petasos, winged caduceus and purse. RIC 1075; BMCRE 1441. gFine. 

This type is often referred to as the “Miracle of the Rain”. Legion XII Fulminata, aka “the Thundering Legion”, was about to fall to the Quadi forces along the Danube river in A.D. 173. A sudden and violent rainstorm frightened the Quadi and gave new life to the legion’s attack, defeating the Quadi soundly. A Christian version of the story gave credit to the prayers of Christian soldiers who were serving in the legion. Marcus Aurelius gave credit for the victory to Mercury.

 

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$  200.00

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$ 120.00 (1 bid(s))
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Bidding closed (Tuesday, 22 Apr 2014, 13:00:00)
Current time: Saturday, September 20th, 00:40:02