Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) front Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) back
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars

 
Bronze 24 g 32 mm
Description
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
24 g
Diameter
32 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263562
Rarity index
86%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding vertical spear in right hand and resting left hand on round shield set on ground.

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: 20.06–30.53 g;
Diameter varies: 30.8–34 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which is fitting given that Marcus Aurelius was known for his military campaigns during his reign.