© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius IMP VI COS III S C RELIG AVG; Mercury
| Bronze | 24.2 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 172-173 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24.2 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263781 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Statue of Mercury, wearing petasus and short robe, standing front, head left, on base, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand, within a tetrastyle temple; columns are telamons; the pediment is semicircular and contains, from left to right, tortoise, cock, ram, petasus, winged caduceus, and purse.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMP VI COS III S C RELIG AVG
Translation:
Imperator Sextum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum. Religio Augusti.
Supreme commander (Imperator) for the sixth time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate. The religion of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 21.52–27.66 g;Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, on the reverse side, which was a common feature on Roman coins during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This suggests that the coin was likely used for trade and commerce purposes, and it's fascinating to think about the different hands it may have passed through and the transactions it may have facilitated during its time in circulation.
