As - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) front As - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) back
As - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

As - Marcus Aurelius TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars

 
Bronze 13.3 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
163-164
Value
As = 1⁄16 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
13.3 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263568
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding vertical spear in right hand and resting left hand on round shield set on ground.

Script: Latin

Lettering: TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C

Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Imperator Secundum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the second time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which is unusual for a coin issued by Marcus Aurelius, who was known for his peaceful reign and his emphasis on philosophy and literature. This suggests that the coin may have been issued to commemorate a military victory or to promote the idea of military strength during a time of conflict.