


© Stephen Album Rare Coins
Sestertius - Vitellius S C; Mars
69 yearBronze | 24 g | 33 mm |
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 | 24 g |
Diameter | 33 mm |
Shape | Round (irregular) |
Technique | Hammered |
Demonetized | Yes |
Updated | 2024-10-06 |
Numista | N#244211 |
---|---|
Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, wearing only cloak, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy on left shoulder
Script: Latin
Lettering: S C
Translation:
Senatus Consultum
Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 22.08–27.19 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Münzkabinett of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (CC BY-NC-SA)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Sestertius - Vitellius (S C; Mars) (69) coin is that it features a unique combination of imagery and inscriptions that provide insight into the political and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the reign of Vitellius (69 AD). The coin's obverse side depicts a portrait of Vitellius, while the reverse side shows Mars, the Roman god of war, standing between two trophies and holding a spear and a shield. The inscription "S C" on the coin stands for "Senatus Consulto," indicating that the coin was issued by the Roman Senate. This coin is a rare and valuable example of Roman numismatics and provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Roman Empire.