© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Faustina the Younger MATRI MAGNAE S C; Cybele
| Bronze | 24.3 g | 31 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 161-176 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24.3 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#264379 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Cybele, towered, draped, seated right on throne, holding drum with left hand on left knee, right arm at side: to left and right of throne, lions.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MATRI MAGNAE S C
Translation:
Matri Magnae. Senatus Consultum.
To the great mother. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 18.54–31.66 g;Diameter varies: 30–32 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Cybele, a goddess from ancient Roman mythology, on the reverse side. Cybele was a goddess of fertility, agriculture, and nature, and was often depicted with a crown of turrets, as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Cybele on the coin suggests that Faustina the Younger, the empress who commissioned the coin, may have been attempting to promote the cult of Cybele, which was popular in the Roman Empire at the time.
