Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VII COS III S C; Roma and Victory) (174) front Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VII COS III S C; Roma and Victory) (174) back
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (IMP VII COS III S C; Roma and Victory) (174) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius IMP VII COS III S C; Roma and Victory

174 year
Bronze 25.1 g 31 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
174
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
25.1 g
Diameter
31 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263820
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Roma, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and vertical spear in left hand.

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

Mass varies: 21.53–28.389 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 rare combination of symbols on its reverse side. The image of Victory standing on the prow of a ship, holding a trophy and a rudder, is a unique representation of the Roman Empire's military power and dominance. This particular design was only used during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, making it a distinctive feature of this coin. Additionally, the coin's weight of 25.1 grams is slightly heavier than the standard weight for a sestertius, which was typically around 20-22 grams. This suggests that the coin may have been minted using a different alloy or manufacturing process, which could make it a valuable collector's item for numismatists.