Lot 4297

Description

Marcus Aurelius as Caesar, (A.D. 161-180), AE sestertius, Rome Mint, issued A.D. 148-149, (22.99 g), obv. bare head of Marcus Aurelius to right, around AVRELIVS CAE SAR AVG P II F, rev. around TR POT III [COS II], PIETAS in exergue, Pietas standing to left, holding sceptre and extending right hand over child to left, (S.4807, RIC 1281a, C.446); another, Rome Mint, issued A.D. 173, (20.18 g), obv. laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to right, around M ANTONINVS [AVG TR P XXVII], rev. around [IMP VI COS III], SC across the field, [R]ELIG AVG in exergue, tetrastyle temple of Mercury with statue of god standing left on pedestal, holding purse and caduceus, columns support semicircular pediment with reliefs of various animals, (S.4996, RIC 1075, C.535, BMC 1441). First coin with areas of corrosion, otherwise, nearly very fine and scarce, second coin fair and rare. (2)

Ex Dr Hugh Preston Collection.
Previously Noble Numismatics Sale 54, lot 1886 (part).