© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVG COS III S C; Salus
| Bronze | 24.1 g | 31 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 168-169 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 24.1 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263666 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar and holding sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVTI AVG COS III S C
Translation:
Saluti Augustorum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
To the health of the emperor (Augustus). Consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 18.57–29.28 g;Diameter varies: 29–33.1 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 the goddess Salus on the other. Salus is depicted holding a snake, which symbolizes healing and protection. This imagery suggests that the coin was minted during a time when Marcus Aurelius was focusing on protecting and healing the Roman Empire, which was facing various challenges during his reign, including wars with Germanic tribes and plagues.
