Sestertius - Vespasian (S C; Mars) (72-73) front Sestertius - Vespasian (S C; Mars) (72-73) back
Sestertius - Vespasian (S C; Mars) (72-73) photo
© Münzkabinett - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sestertius - Vespasian S C; Mars

 
Bronze 25.9 g 34 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
72-73
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
25.9 g
Diameter
34 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#249289
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars advancing right, holding spear and trophy.

Script: Latin

Lettering: S C

Translation:
Senatus Consultum.
Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 24.26–27.44 g;
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 Roman soldier's wage. 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.