© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius TR POT XIII COS II S C; Virtus
| Bronze | 23.9 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 158-159 |
| Value | 1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 23.9 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#261972 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Virtus, standing right, left foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TR POT XIII COS II S C
Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Tertia Decima, Consul Secundum. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the 13th time, consul for the second time. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 23.8–23.95 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 the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius on one side and the personification of the virtue Virtus on the other. Virtus was an important concept in ancient Roman culture, representing the qualities of courage, bravery, and military prowess. The image of Virtus on this coin is particularly notable because it depicts her holding a spear and shield, symbolizing the military victories of Marcus Aurelius during his reign. This coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was facing numerous challenges, including conflicts with Germanic tribes and plagues, making the image of Virtus a powerful symbol of the empire's resilience and strength.
