© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius PIETAS AVG S C
| Bronze | 25.3 g | 33 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 140-144 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 25.3 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#261750 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Priestly emblems: from left to right, knife, sprinkler, jug, lituus, simpulum.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PIETAS AVG S C
Translation:
Pietas Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
Piety of the Emperor. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 22.084–31.17 g;Diameter varies: 32–34 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin features an image of Marcus Aurelius on one side and an image of Pietas (the personification of piety) on the other. This coin was minted during Marcus Aurelius' reign, which lasted from 161 to 180 AD. The inscription "PIETAS AVG S C" on the coin stands for "Pietas Augusti Sacra," which means "Sacred Piety of the Emperor." This coin was used to promote the idea that Marcus Aurelius was a pious and devout leader, and it was likely used in religious ceremonies and rituals.
