Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Medallion (Bronze, 39 mm, 52.29 g, 12 h), Rome, 172-173. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII Laureate and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius to right; aegis on breast plate. Rev. IMP VI COS III / VICT•GERM Victory driving slow quadriga to left, holding reins in her right hand. Gnecchi 57, pl. 63, 7 (same dies). Toynbee pl. XLI, 7 (same dies). Very rare. Minor corrosion and somewhat smoothed, otherwise, about very fine.

This impressive medallion celebrates one of the victories that Marcus Aurelius achieved in the hard-fought First Marcomannic War. In 172, Marcus invaded Maromannic territory and subjugated the tribe alongside the Varistae and Cotini. The emperor, who had personally led the campaign, subsequently adopted the title Germanicus; however, the tribes on the Danube frontier would continue to trouble Marcus until his death in Vindobona (Vienna) on 17 March 180