Roman Provincial - Thrace, AE24 of Marcus Aurelius (161-80AD)

Offered is a very scarce coin struck in Pautalia, in the Thracian province of the Roman Empire, under the reign of Marcus Aurelius (r.161-80AD). This brass AE24 depicts a river god reclining left, holding poppy with corn-ears, reeds in arm, surrounded by inscription ‘ΠAVTAΛIAC / OVΛΠIAC.’ The obverse of this piece shows the Emperor’s bareheaded and draped bust right, surrounded by inscription ‘AV K M AVPHΛΙΟC ANTΩNEINOC.’

Although low-grade, this charming provincial is seldom seen offered, and clearly presents the very popular river god theme. Interestingly, this coin displays what is often called ‘river wear’ - leaving substantial, even erosion, soft details, a silky patina and pitting throughout - meaning that this might well have been a votive offering to the very river that it depicts. All in all, a great opportunity to acquire an underappreciated rarity at an affordable price!

Refs: Varbanov 4432 var. (Bust); RPC IV online 8784 (5 specimen cited).