Obverse: IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG, Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.

Reverse: VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left, holding palm in left hand and wreath in right hand.

RIC: 17. Sear: 11124. [Mainz or Trier, May-Aug./Sep. AD 269].

Diameter: 19.5 mm. Weight: 2.9 g.

An extremely rare antoninianus of Marius. A blacksmith by trade, Marcus Aurelius Marius rose through the ranks of the Roman army and, in the period of confusion following the assassination of Postumus, was proclaimed emperor by the army. It seems his meteoric rise was due to being in the right place at the right time - rather than possession of any particular imperial potential. Predictably - his reign was short, estimates range from just three days, to three months, the latter being more likely due to the amount of coinage produced. He reputedly met a sticky end when he was killed with a sword of his own manufacture. An extremely fine example of this rare and classic coin.