Sestertius - Vitellius (MARS VICTOR S C; Mars and Victory) (69) front Sestertius - Vitellius (MARS VICTOR S C; Mars and Victory) (69) back
Sestertius - Vitellius (MARS VICTOR S C; Mars and Victory) (69) photo
© Numismatik Lanz Auctions

Sestertius - Vitellius MARS VICTOR S C; Mars and Victory

69 year
Bronze 25.3 g 36 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius) (69)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
69
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarii
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
25.3 g
Diameter
36 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#244231
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, in military dress, advancing left, holding Victory in right hand and trophy on left shoulder; parazonium at side

Script: Latin

Lettering: MARS VICTOR S C

Translation:
Mars Victor, Senatus Consultum
Mars, the victorious. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare representation of the Roman god Mars, depicted on the reverse side of the coin, holding a spear and a shield, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. This image of Mars, the god of war, symbolized the military power and prowess of the Roman Empire during the reign of Vitellius.