Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius COS III S C; Jupiter
| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 165-166 |
| 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 |
| Numista | N#263617 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Jupiter, naked to waist, seated left on low seat, holding thunderbolt, nearly horizontal, in right hand and vertical sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS III S C
Translation:
Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin features an image of Jupiter, the Roman god of the sky and thunder, on the reverse side. This is significant because Marcus Aurelius, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his devotion to Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasized reason, self-control, and inner strength. The inclusion of Jupiter on the coin may suggest that Aurelius saw himself as a divine ruler, appointed by the gods to lead the Roman Empire.