Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius IMP VIII COS III P P LIBERALITAS AVG VII S C; Liberalitas and Minerva
| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 176-177 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263918 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Marcus Aurelius, togate, seated right on platform; before him an officer distributes largesse to a man mounting steps; figures of Liberalitas and Minerva.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMP VIII COS III P P LIBERALITAS AVG VII S C
Translation:
Imperator Octavum, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae. Liberalitas Augusti Septima. Senatus Consultum.
Supreme commander (Imperator) for the eighth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation, the seventh liberality of the emperor (Augustus). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on one side and the personification of Liberalitas, or "Liberality," on the other. This juxtaposition of a deity and a personified concept reflects the cultural values and beliefs of ancient Rome, where the goddess Minerva was revered for her wisdom and strategic thinking, while Liberalitas was seen as a symbol of generosity and prosperity. The coin's design serves as a tangible representation of the Roman Empire's cultural and political ideals during the reign of Marcus Aurelius.
