Sestertius - Vespasian (S C; Mars) (71) front Sestertius - Vespasian (S C; Mars) (71) back
Sestertius - Vespasian (S C; Mars) (71) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Vespasian S C; Mars

71 year
Bronze 24.7 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
71
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
24.7 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#249096
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars advancing right, holding spear and trophy.

Script: Latin

Lettering: S C

Translation:
Senatus Consultum.
Decree of the senate.

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Sestertius coin was used to pay soldiers and was worth one-fourth of a denarius, which was the standard wage for a Roman soldier. This coin features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on one side and Vespasian on the other, indicating the coin's use in military payments.