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Mosocco Collection of Roman Imperial & Provincial Coins, 1, Irish Creek, VA (2026)

09/04/2026

Lucius Verus is dead! Marcus Aurelius battles the Germanic & Sarmatian Barbarians! He elevates Commodus. Read on!

My Coin # 33-30) RIC III Marcus Aurelius # 360, acquired from cgb—fr, this coin celebrates Marcus Aurelius’s safe return to Rome after campaigns against the Germanic & Sarmatian tribes around A.D. 175 176. The invocation of Fortuna Redux emphasizes divine protection & imperial stability. Marcus Aurelius (139 03/17/180) served as Caesar from 139, consul in 140, received tribunician power in 147, & succeeded Antoninus Pius in 161. His reign included the Parthian War, the plague of 169, & the Germanic invasions. He associated his son Commodus with the Empire in 175 & died of plague in Vienna in 180. This denarius reflects the emperor’s resilience, military leadership, & philosophical legacy.

Date: A.D. 175 – 176
Denomination: Denarius
Mint: Rome
Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM - “Marcus Antoninus Augustus, Conqueror of the Germans & Sarmatians.” The obverse shows Marcus Aurelius laureate head facing right. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory, divine favor, military success & the emperor’s authority following his campaigns against Germanic & Sarmatian tribes.
Reverse: TR P ### IMP VIII COS III P P / FORT REDVCI: “Tribunician Power 30, Imperator 8 times, Consul 3 times, Father of the Country / To Fortuna Redux.” The reverse depicts a rectangular altar with flames rising at center & horns projecting left & right. The inscription FORT REDVCI honors Fortuna Redux, goddess of safe return, commemorating Marcus Aurelius’s return to Rome after his northern campaigns.

Coin Specifications: Weight: 3.07 g
Diameter: 18.50 mm
Coin alignment: Coin axis alignment is 6 o'clock (180 degrees), which is standard and typical for Roman Imperial silver denarii of the Antonine dynasty. This indicates that when the obverse is upright, the reverse is precisely inverted upside down when flipped along the vertical axis, reflecting meticulous ancient mint production standards at the Rome mint.
Coin Material Composition: Silver denarius struck under Marcus Aurelius composition of 75 % to 78 % fine silver (Ag) alloyed with 22 % to 25 % copper (Cu), the debased imperial standard established after the earlier reforms.
ID References: RIC 360; Sear RCV II 525/5345, BMCRE 191/396, RSC 518/936, Cohen 518/917

Coin’s Rarity: R1. Scarce but available in trade. Examples appear periodically in European auctions.

Historical Significance: This coin refers to Aurelius’ return to Rome, in 177 A.D. from the campaigns against the Germans & Sarmatians. MARCUS AURELIUS, 139-03/17/180. Caesar from 139, wearing the consulship for 140, Marc Aurèle receives tribunician power in 147 & succeeds Antonin in 161. His personal reign is marked by the Parthian war (162-165). After the death of Lucius Verus in 169, he had to face the Germanic invasions & the plague which ravaged the Empire. Marcus Aurelius associates his son Commodus with the Empire from 175 & dies of the plague in 180 in Vienna.

Photo Analysis: High-resolution photographic capture reveals exceptional crispness in the laureate wreath detail, hair curls, and bearded facial features of Marcus Aurelius on the obverse. The striking is remarkably well-centered with full peripheral legend legibility. The reverse altar displays clear architectural lines, crisp flamed top, distinct horn ornaments, and fully legible vertical and horizontal letters spelling FORT REDVCI. The grey silver surfaces exhibit natural cabinet friction and stable old cabinet tone.

If submitted for certification, expected grading would be:
• Strike: 5/5
• Surface: 4/5
• Color: Choice Silver / Natural Grey Patina
Grade Estimate: Choice Extremely Fine (Ch XF)

Using the 70-point Sheldon: Graded 45 to 50 on the 70-point Sheldon scale (Extremely Fine). An XF 45 to 50 designation indicates a coin with moderate to minor high-point wear, perfectly balanced obverse and reverse legends, strong underlying mint luster in protected areas, sharp facial details on the emperor's portrait, and an unblemished, stable silver surface free of corrosion or active environmental damage.

Final Analysis, Summary & Recap: Coin # 33-30 represents an outstanding historical and numismatic milestone in the compilation of the Roman Imperial & Provincial collection. Struck at the peak of the Marcomannic Wars during 175 to 176 A.D., it commemorates the divine safe return of the philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius to Rome. With superb centering, a magnificent portrait, and robust physical specifications, this denarius is a cherished heirloom.

09/04/2026

Marcus Aurelius struck in A.D. 175 during a pivotal juncture of the Marcomannic Wars, this coinage reflects the hard-won pacification of the Sarmatians along the Danubian frontier. Marcus Aurelius assumed the victory title Germanicus & Sarmaticus following extensive military campaigns. The reverse type featuring Genius holding corn-ears & patera serves as a powerful public message reassuring citizens & soldiers of divine favor, bountiful harvests & imperial stability amidst ongoing external frontier conflicts.

09/04/2026

Time is marching on for Marcus Aurelius. Within 5 years he will be dead! He now adds GERM & SARM to his coins!

My Coin # 33-29) RIC III Marcus Aurelius # 327, struck in A.D. 175 during a pivotal juncture of the Marcomannic Wars, this coinage reflects the hard-won pacification of the Sarmatians along the Danubian frontier. Marcus Aurelius assumed the victory title Germanicus & Sarmaticus following extensive military campaigns. The reverse type featuring Genius holding corn-ears & patera serves as a powerful public message reassuring citizens & soldiers of divine favor, bountiful harvests & imperial stability amidst ongoing external frontier conflicts.

Date: A.D. 175
Denomination: Denarius
Mint: Rome
Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM: Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius facing right, finely detailed with curled hair & beard. The portrait exhibits the mature imperial style of the late Antonine period, emphasizing wisdom & authority.
Reverse: TR P XXIX IMP VIII COS III: Genius, n**e, standing left, holding patera in right hand & corn ears in left hand. The figure symbolizes divine favor & prosperity granted to the emperor & the Roman people following victory in the northern campaigns
Seller: Savoca Coins
Coin Specifications: Weight: 2.80 g
Diameter: 20.00 mm

Coin alignment: Medal alignment (0°), ↑↑ meaning obverse & reverse are oriented identically when flipped vertically Coin Material Composition: Silver (approx. 75% to 80% fine silver, alloyed with 20% to 25% copper to improve durability for circulation)
ID References: Sear RCV II 5343/5978, RIC III 327, BMCRE 24/653, RSC 101/915, Cohen 101/915,

Coin’s Rarity: R2 Scarce: Rare denarius issue commemorating the 29th tribunician power & Sarmatian titles of Marcus Aurelius.

Historical Significance: This coin marks the culmination of Marcus Aurelius’s northern campaigns, celebrating his victories over the Sarmatians & Germanic tribes. The Genius type reflects Rome’s gratitude to the gods for peace & prosperity restored through the emperor’s leadership. It also symbolizes the emperor’s philosophical devotion to duty & divine order, aligning his Stoic ideals expressed in Meditations. The imagery unites military triumph with spiritual virtue, portraying Marcus Aurelius as both conqueror & guardian of Rome’s moral integrity.

Photo Analysis: The specimen exhibits sharp striking relief with crisp facial contours on the imperial bust & clear legibility across all legend characters. Surfaces show bright silvery luster under older cabinet care with minor cabinet friction appropriate for an authentic ancient silver coin of this antiquity.
If submitted for certification, expected grading would be:
• Strike: 5 / 5
• Surface: 4 / 5
• Color: Lustrous Silver
Grade Estimate: Choice Very Fine (Ch VF)

Using the 70-point Sheldon scale with detail explanation: Using the 70-point Sheldon scale, this coin achieves a grade of VF 35 to EF 40. The Sheldon scale assigns numerical values from 1 to 70 where 1 represents a worn basal state & 70 represents a flawless mint state piece. This coin features clear details across all central design elements, moderate wear on high points consistent with circulation yet retaining sharp lettering & complete design visibility.

Final Analysis, Summary & Recap: This denarius of Marcus Aurelius, struck during his 29th tribunician year, stands as a testament to Rome’s divine favor & imperial virtue. The depiction of Genius embodies the emperor’s philosophical devotion to duty & his role as guardian of Rome’s prosperity. The coin’s preservation, silver purity, & historical resonance make it a valuable heirloom piece within your Roman Imperial collection. The patina appears original, with no evidence of tooling or alteration.

09/03/2026

This denarius was struck at Rome between A.D. 173–174, during Marcus Aurelius’s campaigns against the Germanic & Sarmatian tribes

09/03/2026

A coin from Marcus Aurelius’ Military Campaigns!

My Coin # 33-28) RIC III Marcus Aurelius # 287, This denarius was struck at Rome between A.D. 173–174, during Marcus Aurelius’s campaigns against the Germanic & Sarmatian tribes. The obverse legend M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII identifies the emperor in his 28th tribunician year, while the reverse IMP VI COS III commemorates his sixth acclamation as Imperator & third consulship. The reverse depiction of Victory advancing with wreath & trophy celebrates Rome’s triumphs along the Danube frontier & the emperor’s divine sanction as protector of the empire.

Date: A.D. 173 – 174
Denomination: Denarius
Mint: Rome
Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVIII – Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius facing right, finely detailed with curled hair & beard. The portrait exhibits the mature imperial style of the later Antonine period, emphasizing wisdom & authority.
Reverse: IMP VI COS III – Victory, winged & draped, advancing right, holding wreath up in right hand & trophy sloped over left shoulder in left hand. The depiction symbolizes triumph & divine favor following successful campaigns along the Danube frontier.

Seller: Savoca Coins
Coin Specifications: Weight: 3.05 g
Diameter: 19.00 mm

Coin alignment: Medal alignment (0°), ↑↑ meaning obverse & reverse are oriented identically when flipped vertically. Coin Material Composition: Silver denarius of the Antonine period, composed of approximately 75.00 % pure silver & 25.00 % base metal alloy predominantly copper, reflecting the debasement trends initiated under Nero & continued through the reigns of Antoninus Pius & Marcus Aurelius.

ID References: RIC III 287, Sear RCV II 5262/5977, RSC 101/300, Cohen 101/300, BMCRE 21

Coin’s Rarity: R2 (Scarce) – Victory types of Marcus Aurelius are less common than his philosophical or military portrait issues, particularly those with full legends & centered strikes & the scarce emission issued during the Germanic & Marcomannic Wars, commemorating imperial military victories.

Historical Significance: Issued between A.D. 173 & 174 during the protracted Marcomannic Wars (A.D. 166–180), this coin commemorates vital military campaigns along the Danube frontier led personally by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. While the emperor is famously remembered as the philosopher-king & author of Meditations, his reign required immense military leadership to defend the Roman Empire against Germanic confederations. Victory holding a trophy & wreath served as vital imperial propaganda, reassuring citizens in Rome of the resilience & ultimate triumph of Roman arms.

Photo Analysis: Photographic examination under natural daylight against a neutral black background reveals sharp details on both obverse & reverse. The strike is well-centered with legible lettering. High-resolution macro photography confirms authentic die wear, crisp micro-relief on the emperor's laurel wreath, & genuine ancient silver surfaces without modern cleaning toolmarks or artificial smoothing.

If submitted for certification, expected grading parameters would be:
• Strike: 5/5
• Surface: 4/5
• Color: Silver / Mint State Luster
Grade Estimate: Choice Very Fine (Ch VF)

Using the 70-point Sheldon scale: This specimen would grade approximately VF 35–40, showing moderate wear on high points but strong detail in portrait & reverse devices. Legends are complete, surfaces are clean, & luster remains in protected areas.

Final Analysis, Summary & Recap: This denarius of Marcus Aurelius, struck during his 28th tribunician year, stands as a testament to Rome’s military triumph & imperial virtue. The depiction of Victory embodies the emperor’s divine guardianship over the empire & his personal valor in the Marcomannic campaigns.

09/03/2026

This denarius was struck at Rome between A.D. 172–173, during Marcus Aurelius’s campaigns against the Germanic tribes. The obverse legend M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII identifies the emperor in his 27th tribunician year, while the reverse IMP VI COS III commemorates his sixth acclamation as Imperator & third consulship. The reverse depiction of Mars, god of war, reflects the emperor’s military leadership & divine favor during the Marcomannic Wars. The imagery reinforces Rome’s martial virtue & the emperor’s role as protector of the empire. Emperor Marcus Aurelius was personally commanding Roman legions along the Danubian frontier.

09/03/2026

Marcus Aurelius is on the battlefront against the Germanic tribes! Oh, how times have changed since Antoninus Pius was emperor!

My Coin # 3-27) RIC III Marcus Aurelius # 276, acquired from NN Naumann & ex-Naumann Auction 128 & Auction 122, this denarius was struck at Rome between A.D. 172–173, during Marcus Aurelius’s campaigns against the Germanic tribes. The obverse legend M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII identifies the emperor in his 27th tribunician year, while the reverse IMP VI COS III commemorates his sixth acclamation as Imperator & third consulship. The reverse depiction of Mars, god of war, reflects the emperor’s military leadership & divine favor during the Marcomannic Wars. The imagery reinforces Rome’s martial virtue & the emperor’s role as protector of the empire. Emperor Marcus Aurelius was personally commanding Roman legions along the Danubian frontier.

Date: A.D. 172 – 173
Denomination: Denarius
Mint: Rome
Obverse: M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII – Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius facing right, draped bust with finely detailed curls & beard. The portrait exhibits the mature imperial style of the later Antonine period, emphasizing wisdom & authority.
Reverse: IMP VI COS III – Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding vertical spear in right hand & resting left on round shield set on ground. The depiction symbolizes martial strength & divine protection over the emperor’s campaigns.

Coin Specifications: Weight: 3.25 g
Diameter: 18.00 mm
Coin alignment: Coin alignment is coin axis orientation 6h (180 degrees), meaning when the obverse is upright, the reverse is inverted upside down when flipped vertically, which is typical and standard for Roman Imperial silver denarii struck at the mint of Rome during the Antonine period due to coin die alignment practices.
Coin Material Composition: High-grade ancient silver alloy, approximately 75.00 % silver (Ag) & 25.00 % copper (Cu) base metal trace elements, consistent with Roman imperial coinage standards under Marcus Aurelius & Commodus prior to subsequent debasements.
ID References: RIC # 276, Sear RCV II 5313/5976, BMCRE IV 19/638, RSC II 101/268, Cohen 101/270,

Coin’s Rarity: R2 (Scarce) imperial issue struck during the height of the Marcomannic Wars, representing a significant military type commemorating the emperor’s sixth imperial acclamation.

Historical Significance: This coin represents Marcus Aurelius at the height of his reign, balancing his philosophical ideals with the realities of warfare. The Mars type underscores the emperor’s military authority & the divine sanction of his victories. Issued during the campaigns along the Danube frontier, it symbolizes Rome’s resilience & the emperor’s stoic endurance. The combination of martial imagery & imperial titulature captures the dual nature of Marcus Aurelius as both warrior & philosopher-king.

Photo Analysis: High-resolution digital photography captured under natural daylight against a neutral black background reveals crisp strike definition, natural cabinet luster, & intact micro-relief across the hair curls & beard of Marcus Aurelius. The flan exhibits slightly irregular clipping consistent with ancient hand-hammered minting techniques at Rome, while retaining full circular beaded borders on both obverse & reverse.

If submitted for certification, expected grading would be:
• Strike: 4/5
• Surface: 4/5
• Color: 5/5 (Choice Cabinet Luster)
Grade Estimate: Choice Very Fine (Ch VF) with Fine Style designation

Using the 70-point Sheldon scale: Assigned a grade of 35-40 (Very Fine 35-40) on the 70-point Sheldon scale. This reflects a well-centered coin with clear, legible legends, distinct facial features & hair details on the emperor, & full military regalia on Mars, tempered by moderate, even circulation wear on the highest relief points & minor flan irregularities characteristic of genuine ancient silver coinage.

Final Analysis, Summary & Recap: This denarius of Marcus Aurelius ( # 3-27) is an exceptional historical artifact combining verified auction pedigree, desirable military reverse iconography, & stable physical preservation. It serves as an outstanding educational & heirloom piece embodying the stoic governance & military struggles of Rome’s golden age under the philosopher-emperor. The patina appears original, with no evidence of tooling or alteration.

09/03/2026

Struck in 180 AD immediately following the death of Marcus Aurelius on March 17, 180 AD, at Vindobona (Vienna) or during his final campaign before his body was returned to Rome. Commodus initiated this extensive consecration coinage to cement his father's official deification by the Senate. Marcus Aurelius was revered across the Roman world not only as a victorious military commander & statesman but preeminently as the philosopher-king author of Meditations. The consecration eagle carrying a spear symbolizes the apotheosis of the emperor's soul ascending to the heavens among the gods, marking a pivotal transition in the Antonine dynasty.

09/03/2026

2nd Marcus Aurelius Consecration Coins issued by Commodus in my collection

My Coin # 33-26) RIC III Commodus # 271, struck in 180 AD immediately following the death of Marcus Aurelius on March 17, 180 AD, at Vindobona (Vienna) or during his final campaign before his body was returned to Rome. Commodus initiated this extensive consecration coinage to cement his father's official deification by the Senate. Marcus Aurelius was revered across the Roman world not only as a victorious military commander & statesman but preeminently as the philosopher-king author of Meditations. The consecration eagle carrying a spear symbolizes the apotheosis of the emperor's soul ascending to the heavens among the gods, marking a pivotal transition in the Antonine dynasty.

Date: A.D. 180
Denomination: Denarius
Mint: Rome
Obverse: DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS – Bare head of Divus Marcus Aurelius facing right, finely detailed with curled hair & beard. The portrait exhibits the posthumous style typical of consecration issues struck under Commodus, emphasizing divine serenity & idealized features.
Reverse: CONSECRATIO – Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, head turned right, holding spear in beak. The eagle symbolizes the soul’s ascent to heaven & divine acceptance by Jupiter.

Purchase Information: Seller: Savoca Coins
Coin Specifications: Weight: 3.19 g
Diameter: 17.00 mm
Coin alignment: Medal alignment (0°), ↑↑ meaning obverse & reverse are oriented identically when flipped vertically.
Coin Material Composition: Silver alloy (approximately 75 % to 78 % fine silver, 22 % to 25 % copper base), conforming to the debased imperial denarius standard established during the reign of Marcus Aurelius & continued under Commodus following the Antonine Plague & Marcomannic Wars economic strains.
ID References: RIC III Commodus 271; Sear RCV II 5975/5998; BMCRE 17/20; RSC 84/101; Cohen 84/101

Coin’s Rarity: R2 (Scarce) – Posthumous consecration issues of Marcus Aurelius are less common than lifetime denarii, particularly those with well-centered strikes & full legends. Commemorative issue honoring the deified emperor Marcus Aurelius following his death in March 180 AD, highly sought after by collectors assembling imperial consecration series.

Historical Significance: This coin marks the transition from the reign of Marcus Aurelius to Commodus, symbolizing continuity of imperial divinity & legitimacy. The imagery reflects Roman religious belief in the emperor’s divine nature after death, a tradition rooted in the imperial cult. The consecration ceremony involved releasing an eagle from the funeral pyre, believed to carry the emperor’s spirit to the gods. Commodus issued these coins to affirm his father’s deification & his own divine right to rule, intertwining religion & politics in the late Antonine era.

Photo Analysis: High-resolution examination under natural daylight shows pristine detail preservation across the hair curls of Marcus Aurelius & sharp separation of individual feathers on the consecrated eagle's wings. The flan is well-rounded with full integrity, showing no signs of modern tooling, harsh cleaning, or chemical stripping. Stamping pressure was strong, yielding pronounced relief on both obverse & reverse legends.

If submitted for certification, expected grading would be:
• Strike: 5 / 5
• Surface: 4 / 5
• Color: Lustrous silver with natural cabinet tone
Grade Estimate: Choice About New / Mint State (Choice AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5)

Using the 70-point Sheldon scale: Graded 55 out of 70 on the Sheldon scale (AU 55). The coin displays exceptionally minor cabinet friction on the highest points of Marcus Aurelius's hair and the eagle's breast feathers, yet retains full underlying mint luster, sharp peripheral lettering, and complete design details without any distracting marks, scratches, or flan flaws.

Final Analysis, Summary & Recap: This denarius of Divus Marcus Aurelius struck under Commodus in 180 AD represents a cornerstone piece within the imperial consecration sub-collection. Combining historical gravitas, excellent metal preservation, and strong artistic ex*****on, it provides an outstanding tangible link to the final days of the Pax Romana and the transition of the Antonine dynasty. It is a premier heirloom piece curated for future generations.

09/03/2026

This coin marks the transition from the reign of Marcus Aurelius to Commodus, symbolizing continuity of imperial divinity & legitimacy. The imagery reflects Roman religious belief in the emperor’s divine nature after death, a tradition rooted in the imperial cult. The consecration ceremony involved releasing an eagle from the funeral pyre, believed to carry the emperor’s spirit to the gods. Commodus issued these coins to affirm his father’s deification & his own divine right to rule, intertwining religion & politics in the late Antonine era.

Mosocco Collection of Roman Imperial & Provincial Coins

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