© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Aureus - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII COS III; Salus
| Gold | 7.2 g | 18.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 162-163 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#262735 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar and holding vertical sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII COS III
Translation:
Saluti Augustorum. Tribunicia Potestate Septima Decima, Consul Tertium.
To the health of the emperor (Augustus). Holder of tribunician power for the 17th time, consul for the third time.
Comment
Mass varies: 6.57–7.33 g;Diameter varies: 18.5–19 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin of Marcus Aurelius is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Salus, who represents safety, security, and well-being. The coin's reverse side depicts Salus standing left, holding a patera (a shallow dish used for ritual offerings) and a snake, symbolizing her role in protecting the Roman people and the emperor himself. The inclusion of Salus on the coin highlights the importance of her role in Roman culture and the emperor's desire to associate himself with her protective powers.
