Sestertius - Caracalla VENVS VICTRIX S C; Venus and Victory
| Bronze | 24.4 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 214-217 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24.4 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#273997 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Venus, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and spear in left hand, leaning on shield set on helmet.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VENVS VICTRIX S C
Translation:
Venus Victrix. Senatus Consultum.
Venus Victorious. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 20.66–28.15 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique combination of imagery and inscriptions that reflect the political and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the reign of Caracalla. The coin's obverse side features a portrait of the emperor, while the reverse side depicts the goddess Venus standing next to the personification of Victory, with the inscription "VENVS VICTRIX S C" (Venus and Victory) above them. This combination of imagery and inscriptions suggests that Caracalla was attempting to promote his own divine status and military victories through the coinage, which was a common practice among Roman emperors at the time.
