© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVG COS III S C; Salus
| Bronze | 25.2 g | 30 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 | 25.2 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263684 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
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: 18.48–30.62 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
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 standing, holding a patera (a shallow dish used for ritual offerings) and a snake, symbolizing the healing powers of the goddess. This image of Salus was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, as he was particularly devoted to the cult of the goddess and saw her as a symbol of the empire's prosperity and well-being.
