Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VI COS III S C; Jupiter) (173-174) front Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VI COS III S C; Jupiter) (173-174) back
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VI COS III S C; Jupiter) (173-174) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius IMP VI COS III S C; Jupiter

 
Bronze 23.9 g 30.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
173-174
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
23.9 g
Diameter
30.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263801
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Jupiter, naked to waist, seated left on throne, holding Victory, standing left and offering crown, on extended right hand, and holding long sceptre in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: IMP VI COS III S C

Translation:
Imperator Sextum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Supreme commander (Imperator) for the sixth time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 20.738–25.45 g;
Diameter varies: 30–32 mm;

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 an image of Jupiter, the Roman god of thunder and lightning, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This suggests that the coin was likely used for religious or ceremonial purposes, as well as for everyday transactions.