© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars
| Bronze | 26.6 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 163-164 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 26.6 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263559 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, running left, carrying trophy in right hand and spear in left hand, with a parazonium at left side.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C
Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Imperator Secundum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the second time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 26.17–26.99 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 Mars, the Roman god of war, on its reverse side. This is fitting, as Marcus Aurelius, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his military campaigns and conquests during his reign. In fact, Marcus Aurelius' reign is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of the Roman Empire, marked by a period of relative peace and prosperity, which was in part due to his successful military campaigns.
