Description: Marcus Aurelius (161 - 180 AD). AE Sestertius, Rome mint 163-164 AD. M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS P M; laureate and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / VICT AVG TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S-C; Victory standing right, holding trophy above captive seated right, pile of arms before.

Diameter: AE30 mm

Weight: 24,86 g

Grade: aVF/aVF

Attribution: RIC 891

Commentary: dark olive-green patina, two larger scratches on obverse

History: After defeating the Parthians in the war of 161-166 AD, the Roman legions brought with them the Antonine Plague, probably smallpox, which in the next 15 years killed not only 30% of the population of the empire but also its two co-reigning emperors.

Article Number: 060-06-02-42384