© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius SALVTI AVGVSTOR TR P XVII COS III S C; Salus
| Bronze | 25.1 g | 31 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 162-163 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 25.1 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263544 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
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: 22.31–26.55 g;Diameter varies: 30–32 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 is depicted standing, holding a patera (a shallow dish used for ritual offerings) and a snake, symbolizing the healing powers of the goddess. This imagery suggests that the coin may have been issued to commemorate a military victory or to promote the emperor's role as a protector of the Roman people.
