© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Nero S C; Mars, Pax, and Victory
| Bronze | 26.6 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Nero (Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus) (54-68) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 62-68 |
| 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#246711 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
View of triumphal arch, showing front and left hand side; above, the Emperor in a quadriga escorted by Victory; arch is heavily ornamented and decorated with statues of Pax, Mars and two soldiers.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S C
Translation:
Senatus Consultum.
Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 25.96–27.23 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique combination of symbols and deities. The reverse side of the coin depicts Mars, the Roman god of war, standing between Pax, the goddess of peace, and Victory, representing the Roman Empire's military triumphs. This combination of symbols highlights the complexities of Roman society during Nero's reign, where the pursuit of peace and military conquests coexisted. Additionally, the use of bronze in the coin's minting process was a common practice during this period, as it was a readily available and durable material for coinage.
