Sestertius of Marcus Aurelius (Mars)

The first stage of the over-decade-long Marcomannic Wars began with a large invasion by Germanic tribes, including the Marcomanni, Quadi, and Iazyges, who crossed the Danube and attacked the Roman provinces of Pannonia and Noricum. The attacks were particularly severe due to a concurrent outbreak of the plague, which weakened the Roman Empire and went down in history as the Antonine Plague.

Seeing the seriousness of the threat, Marcus Aurelius focused on defending the northern borders. He mobilized legionaries from across the empire and launched several retaliatory expeditions, aiming to push back the barbarians. In 169, his co-ruler Lucius Verus died, and Marcus Aurelius took full control of the campaign. During this time, he also wrote the Meditations, giving us insight into the Emperor’s reflections and state of mind during these challenging wartime years.

This sestertius depicts Mars on the reverse, walking naked (except for a billowing cloak behind him and a helmet), holding a spear in his right hand and a trophy on his left shoulder. The coin was minted in 170-171, at the threshold of a new stage of the Marcomannic Wars, which would continue for another decade and, in effect, as ongoing unrest and conflict in these regions, for several more decades. The appearance of the god of war on coins is a classic example of imperial propaganda, celebrating Roman military successes and intended to strengthen morale in the context of further battles.

Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV: Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right.

Reverse: COS III S C: Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak flying behind, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand.

Referenz : RIC III Marcus Aurelius 992

Quelle : https://www.instagram.com/p/DBoSwYmqStX/

Sammlung : Marcus Aurelius: A Stoic Emperor's Legacy in Coins