© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Dupondius - Marcus Aurelius TR POT XV COS III S C
161 year| Bronze | 11.4 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 161 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 11.4 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263518 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Marcus Aurelius, togate, standing left, holding globe on extended right hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TR POT XV COS III S C
Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Quinta Decima, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the 15th time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 10.91–11.9 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Dupondius coin of Marcus Aurelius is interesting because it was minted during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The coin's design features the emperor's portrait on one side and a depiction of the goddess Roma on the other, symbolizing the empire's power and influence. Additionally, the coin's bronze composition was a departure from the traditional gold and silver coins used in previous centuries, reflecting the empire's shift towards a more bronze-based currency. This change in currency composition had significant economic and social impacts, as it made trade and commerce more accessible to a wider range of people, but also led to inflation and devaluation of the currency over time.
