Sestertius - Caracalla PONTIF TR P XII COS III S C; Mars
209 year| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 209 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#273763 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, advancing left, holding branch in right hand and trophy in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PONTIF TR P XII COS III S C
Translation:
Pontifex [Maximus], Tribunicia Potestate Duoecima, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
[High] priest, holder of tribunician power for the twelfth time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare representation of the Roman god of war, Mars, on the reverse side. The depiction of Mars on this coin is unique because it shows him holding a spear and a shield, rather than his traditional attributes of a sword and shield. This variation in the iconography of Mars may indicate that the coin was issued during a specific military campaign or to commemorate a particular victory. Additionally, the coin's bronze composition and the emperor's title, PONTIF TR P XII COS III S C, suggest that it was minted during a time of economic hardship and military expansion in the Roman Empire.
