Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (COS III S C; Mars) (170-171) front Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (COS III S C; Mars) (170-171) back
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (COS III S C; Mars) (170-171) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius COS III S C; Mars

 
Bronze 24.9 g 29 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
170-171
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
24.9 g
Diameter
29 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263695
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak flying behind, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder 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

Mass varies: 19.36–30.74 g;

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was engaged in several military campaigns, and the image of Mars was meant to symbolize the power and strength of the Roman military.