Denarius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII COS III; Minerva) (163-164) front Denarius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII COS III; Minerva) (163-164) back
Denarius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII COS III; Minerva) (163-164) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Denarius - Marcus Aurelius TR P XVIII COS III; Minerva

 
Silver 3.3 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
1 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.3 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#262765
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding up olive-branch in right hand, left hand resting on shield set on ground: vertical spear, point upwards, rests against left arm.

Script: Latin

Lettering: TR P XVIII COS III

Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Consul Tertium.
Holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, consul for the third time.

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 an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a nod to the emperor's emphasis on wisdom and knowledge during his reign.