© Museu de Prehistòria de València
© Museu de Prehistòria de València
Denarius - Marcus Aurelius COS III P P; Salus
| Silver | 2.9 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 176-180 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.9 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#263097 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, seated left on low seat, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left arm on side of seat: in front of her, left, a snake coiling upwards from ground.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS III P P
Translation:
Consul Tertium. Pater Patriae.
Consul for the third time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.5–3.18 g;Example of this type:
Museu de Prehistòria de València
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin featuring Marcus Aurelius (COS III P P; Salus) was part of a series of coins issued during his reign that depicted various gods and goddesses, as well as personifications of abstract concepts like Salus (Salvation) and Pax (Peace). This coin, in particular, features Salus standing left, holding a patera (a shallow dish used for ritual offerings) and a snake, symbolizing the healing powers of the goddess. The reverse of the coin shows Marcus Aurelius' name and title, as well as the Roman Empire's official motto, "Pax Augusta," which translates to "Peace of the Augustus." This coin is not only a beautiful example of ancient Roman art, but it also provides insight into the religious and political ideologies of the time.
