© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Marcus Aurelius LIBERAL AVG V COS III; Liber and Liberalitas
| Silver | 3.4 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 | 169-170 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#262885 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Liberalitas, draped, standing front, head left, holding abacus up in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIBERAL AVG V COS III
Translation:
Liberalitas Augusti Quinta, Consul Tertium.
The fifth liberality of the emperor (Augustus), consul for the third time.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.3–3.58 g;Diameter varies: 18–19 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the goddess Liber (Liberty) on the reverse side, which was a common motif during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The inscription "LIBERAL AVG V COS III" translates to "Liberal Emperor, fifth time consul, third time" and highlights the emperor's association with the goddess and his commitment to promoting liberty. This coin is a representation of the values that Marcus Aurelius held dear, including the idea of liberty and the rule of law.
