Sestertius - Caracalla (PONTIF TR P XIII COS III S C; Mars) (210) front Sestertius - Caracalla (PONTIF TR P XIII COS III S C; Mars) (210) back
Sestertius - Caracalla (PONTIF TR P XIII COS III S C; Mars) (210) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Caracalla PONTIF TR P XIII COS III S C; Mars

210 year
Bronze 26.2 g 32 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
210
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
26.2 g
Diameter
32 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#273775
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, advancing left, holding branch in right hand and trophy in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: PONTIF TR P XIII COS III S C

Translation:
Pontifex [Maximus], Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
[High] priest, holder of tribunician power for the 13th time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 22.88–28.77 g;

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 Roman god of war, Mars, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Caracalla. The image of Mars was meant to symbolize the power and military prowess of the Roman Empire.