Sestertius - Caracalla P M TR P XVIII IMP III COS IIII P P S C; Sol
215 year| Bronze | - | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273937 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, naked except for cloak, standing left, mounting quadriga.
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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Sestertius - Caracalla coin is that it features a unique reverse design that depicts the Roman goddess of the sun, Sol, which is why the coin is sometimes referred to as the "Sol Sestertius." This design was a departure from the traditional reverse designs of Roman coins, which typically featured images of gods and goddesses associated with the Roman state. The inclusion of Sol on the coin may have been a nod to the emperor Caracalla's association with the sun god, as he was known for his efforts to promote the cult of Sol Invictus, or the "Unconquered Sun," which was a prominent religious cult in the Roman Empire at the time.