Below are two coins that reference Marcus Aurelius battles against a Germanic tribe called the Quadi. This was part of the Marcomannic Wars; which lasted circa A.D. 166- 180.
The denarius below has an unusual legend MATR CASTROR (mater castrorum) which translates as mother of camps. This was a title given to Faustina II because she accompanied her husband, Marcus Aurelius, on his campaign against the Quadi in A.D. 174.
The sestertius below might refer to the rain miracle of the Thundering Legion. In A.D. 173, the Legio XII Fulminata was fighting the Quadi along the Danube. The Romans were exhausted by thirst and seemed about to lose, until a sudden rainstorm saved them and frightened the Quadi. Marcus Aurelius thanked Mercury for this miracle.
Faustina II
A.D. 176- 180
AR Denarius
17x19mm 3.3g
DIVAE FAVSTIN AVG MATR CASTROR; draped bust right.
CONSECRATIO; funeral pyre.
RIC III Rome 749
Marcus Aurelius
A.D. 172-173
Ӕ Sestertius
31x32mm 23.8gm
M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
IMP VI COS III S-C, Mercury standing left on pedestal holding caduceus and purse, within a tetrastyle temple. On tympanum, a tortoise, cock, ram, caduceus, winged helmet and purse.
In ex. RELIG AVG
RIC III Rome 1074
