Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VI COS III S C; Mars) (171-172) front Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VI COS III S C; Mars) (171-172) back
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VI COS III S C; Mars) (171-172) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

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

 
Bronze 26.4 g 31 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
171-172
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
26.4 g
Diameter
31 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263745
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, advancing right, holding spear and leaning on shield.

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

Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Sestertius coin features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on its reverse side. This is fitting, given that Marcus Aurelius, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his military campaigns and conquests during his reign. The coin's design serves as a symbol of the Roman Empire's military prowess and the power of its rulers.