Marcus Aurelius, as Caesar, 139-161. Sestertius (Bronze, 33 mm, 25.75 g, 6 h), Rome, 148-149. AVRELIVS CAESAR AVG PII F Bare head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. TR POT III COS II / PIETAS / S - C Pietas standing front, head to left, holding child on her left arm and extending her right hand over child standing front, head to left. BMC 1854. Cohen 444. RIC 1274a. A highly interesting reverse overstrike. Minor deposits, otherwise, very fine.


Traces of the undertype on the reverse indicate that this piece was overstruck at a 180° angle on a follis of the same type, though not from the same die. This suggests that two reverse dies of identical type were used in alternation to expedite the minting process. It is likely that at least four workers were involved: two alternating with different reverse dies of the same type, one placing the flans into the obverse die, and one striking with the hammer. The rapid succession of strikes resulted in this coin being struck twice - by both reverse dies - at an exact 180° rotation. For a similar overstrike from the First Tetrarcy, see lot 1306 below.