Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 32 mm, 30.23 g, 12 h), Rome, 170. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIIII Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. COS III / PROFECTIO AVG / S C Marcus Aurelius on horseback to right, holding spear in his right hand and reins in his left; to left, three soldiers standing right, holding spear and two aquilae, respectively; to right, soldier (or Mars?) standing front, head turned left toward the emperor, holding spear in his right hand and shield with his left. BMC 1375. Cohen 502 corr. (obverse legend). MIR 191-6/30. RIC 977. A beautiful piece with a lovely brown and green patina and an interesting reverse type. A few faint scratches and with light deposits, otherwise, good very fine.

This wonderful sestertius of Marcus Aurelius features a striking reverse scene of an imperial profectio ('departure'), depicting the emperor leaving the city of Rome. Shown riding on horseback, clad in military attire and holding a spear, Marcus Aurelius is followed by three legionaries and led by a fourth (or by a youthful Mars?). The type commemorates the emperor’s departure for the Germanic wars, as barbarian tribes along the Rhine and Danube frontiers were threatening Roman territory. It also alludes to the state vows (vota publica) for his safe return, offered in 170. The campaign would endure for a full eight years. Though militarily successful, Aurelius treated the conquered tribes with notable leniency - a policy that, while humane, led to complications in the years that followed.