Sestertius - Caracalla (PONTIF TR P XII COS III S C; Mars) (209) front Sestertius - Caracalla (PONTIF TR P XII COS III S C; Mars) (209) back
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Sestertius - Caracalla PONTIF TR P XII COS III S C; Mars

209 year
Bronze - -
Description
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
References
Numista
N#273764
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 the Sestertius - Caracalla coin is that it features the Roman god of war, Mars, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the imperial period. The inclusion of Mars on the coinage was a way for the Roman government to promote the idea of military power and imperial expansion. Additionally, the coin's design, which includes a radiate crown on the emperor's head, was meant to symbolize the emperor's connection to the divine and his role as the protector of the empire.