Sestertius - Lucius Verus (TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C; Mars) (163-164) front Sestertius - Lucius Verus (TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C; Mars) (163-164) back
Sestertius - Lucius Verus (TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C; Mars) (163-164) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Lucius Verus TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C; Mars

 
Bronze 29.7 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
163-164
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
29.7 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#264093
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, walking right, carrying spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: TR P IIII IMP II COS II S C

Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Quarta, Imperator Secundum, Consul Secundum. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the fourth time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the second time, consul for the second time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 25.27–34.18 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 an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Lucius Verus. This suggests that the coin was likely issued to commemorate a military victory or to promote the Roman Empire's military prowess.