© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII COS III S C; Salus
| Bronze | 25.3 g | 32.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 162-163 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 25.3 g |
| Diameter | 32.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263543 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII COS III S C
Translation:
Saluti Augustorum. Tribunicia Potestate Septima Decima, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
To the health of the emperor (Augustus). Holder of tribunician power for the 17th time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 22.66–30.89 g;Diameter varies: 31–34 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 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. This coin was minted during Marcus Aurelius' reign, who was known for his wisdom and philosophical writings, and it's interesting to note that the image of Salus on the coin may have been a nod to the emperor's emphasis on the importance of safety and well-being for the Roman people.
