© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Minerva
| Bronze | 28.9 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 | 28.9 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#263570 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding up olive-branch in right hand, and resting left hand on shield set on ground: vertical spear, point upwards, rests against left arm.
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
Example of this type:Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized her association with wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a nod to the emperor's emphasis on wisdom and knowledge as key virtues for a successful ruler.
