© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Caracalla P M TR P XVIII IMP III COS IIII P P S C; Asclepius and Telesphorus
215 year| Bronze | 24.4 g | 32.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 215 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24.4 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273927 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Asclepius, nude to waist, standing front, head left, holding serpent-wreathed wand in right hand; to left, Telesphorus; on ground, right, globe.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XVIII IMP III COS IIII P P S C
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Imperator Tertium, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the third time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 19.78–28.35 g;Diameter varies: 31–34 mm;
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 the image of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing, on one side, and Telesphorus, a minor deity associated with the Roman imperial family, on the other. This combination of deities suggests that the coin may have been issued to promote the idea of the Roman Empire as a source of healing and protection for its citizens.
