Marcus Aurelius - Sestertius rain miracle! (JA2590)

Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 30 mm, 23.86 g, 11 h), Rome, 173. M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right t. Rev. IM[P VI] COS III / S - C / RELIG AVG The Aedes Mercurii: Mercury standing left on pedestal, holding caduceus and purse, within temple with four herm columns; on tympanum, tortoise, cock, ram, petasus, winged caduceus, and purse. RIC 1074. nearly very fine.

This type is thought to refer to the famous rain miracle of the "Thundering Legion." While battling Quadi forces along the Danube in AD 173, the Legio XII Fulminata, exhausted by thirst, was close to falling to their opponents. Defeat seemed eminent until a sudden rain storm reinvigorated the Roman troops while frightening the enemy. Marcus attributed the storm to the grace of Mercury, while an alternative Christian version, one that appears to have been established quite early, gave credit to the prayers of Christian soldiers serving in the legion.