Sestertius - Vitellius (S C; Mars) (69) front Sestertius - Vitellius (S C; Mars) (69) back
Sestertius - Vitellius (S C; Mars) (69) photo
© Stephen Album Rare Coins

Sestertius - Vitellius S C; Mars

69 year
Bronze 24 g 33 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
24 g
Diameter
33 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
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.