© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius IMP VII COS III S C; Mars
| Bronze | 24 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 174-175 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263833 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military dress, running left, holding Victory, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left, on extended right hand and trophy in left hand, supported on left shoulder.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMP VII COS III S C
Translation:
Imperator Septimum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Supreme commander (Imperator) for the seventh time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Example of this type:Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side. This is fitting, as Marcus Aurelius, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his military campaigns and conquests during his reign. In fact, Marcus Aurelius' reign is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of the Roman Empire, marked by significant military victories and territorial expansion.
