© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVI COS III S C; Salus
| Bronze | 18.4 g | 29.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 161-162 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 18.4 g |
| Diameter | 29.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263535 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVI COS III S C
Translation:
Saluti Augustorum. Tribunicia Potestate Sexta Decima, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
To the health of the emperor (Augustus). Holder of tribunician power for the 16th time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 12.69–24.05 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 holding a snake, which symbolizes healing and protection. This imagery suggests that the coin was minted during a time when Marcus Aurelius was focused on protecting and healing the Roman Empire, which was facing various challenges during his reign, including wars with Germanic tribes and plagues.
