© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVG COS III S C; Salus
| Bronze | 25.9 g | 30.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 169-170 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 25.9 g |
| Diameter | 30.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263682 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
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: 18.05–32 g;Diameter varies: 29–32 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 was the Roman goddess of safety, security, and well-being, which is fitting given the coin's name, Sestertius, which means "one-fourth" in Latin, referring to its value relative to the Roman denarius.
