© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Marcus Aurelius COS II; Minerva
| Gold | 7.2 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 145-160 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#260513 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing right, holding vertical spear in right hand and resting left on round shield set on ground.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS II
Translation:
Consul Secundum.
Consul for the second time.
Comment
Example of this type:Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin featuring Marcus Aurelius (COS II; Minerva) was part of a series of coins issued during his reign that depicted the Roman emperor in various guises, including as a military leader, a philosopher, and a god. This particular coin shows Marcus Aurelius wearing a radiate crown, symbolizing his connection to the sun god Apollo, and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and war, on the reverse. The coin's design was meant to convey the emperor's wisdom, military prowess, and divine right to rule.
