MARCUS AURELIUS, GAZA AE, 220/221 C.E.
Sofaer 119, Very Fine, Fine Style, 20.3mm, 5.69 grams
Obverse: CЄBA ΑΝΤѠΝΙΝOC around laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Marcus Aurelius to right
Reverse: Tyche wearing kalathos standing to left., resting her right hand on scepter and holding cornucopia in left, on left, heifer standing to left, or right, Gaza 'Mem', ΓΑΖΑ and date ΔΛC (234 = 173/4 C.E.)
A VERY RARE Biblical City coin of Marcus Aurelius over Gaza. The philospher king is altogether quite hard to find for Gaza, but this is a particularly RARE coin with only one or two of this exact type in poor condition, sold in auction over the last 25 years. This coin is perhaps the FINEST of the type we have ever seen, and shares the obverse die with the Sofaer example, though ours is finer.
The coins of Gaza, and Emperor Marcus Aurelius is no exception, usually feature poorly executed provinical dies with amateurish busts. This bust on this die is of an imperial quality. It would seem that one professional imperial die cutter was imported from Rome, who produce fine portraits, and trained the others, who continued with subpar work.
Ex: Palm Desert Collection, CA Purchased Circa. 1970's - 80's
