© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Severus Alexander MARS VLTOR S C; Mars
| Bronze | 20.4 g | 30.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Severus Alexander (Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander) (222-235) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 231-235 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 20.4 g |
| Diameter | 30.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#279800 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, walking right, carrying spear in right hand and shield in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MARS VLTOR S C
Translation:
Mars Ultor. Senatus Consultum.
Mars, the avenger. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 15.18–30.23 g;Diameter varies: 28–34 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 an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on one side, and an image of Severus Alexander, the Roman emperor, on the other. This coin was minted during Alexander's reign (231-235 AD) and was used as a standard circulation coin in the Roman Empire. The fact that it features both a deity and an emperor suggests that the coin was meant to symbolize the connection between the divine and the imperial power in ancient Rome.
