© Cycnos (CC BY-NC)
© Cycnos (CC BY-NC)
Sestertius - Volusianus P M S COL VIM; Viminacium
| Bronze | 11.87 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Viminacium (Moesia Superior) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Volusianus (Gaius Vibius Volusianus) (251-253) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 251-252 |
| Value | Sestertius (¼) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 11.87 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#139866 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
The allegory of Mesa (draped female figure, standing frontally, arms outstretched and head to the left) flanked by a bull to the left and a lion to the right, both pointing in her direction.
Lettering:
P M S COL VIM
AN XIII
Comment
The bull and lion refer to the emblem of the Legio VII Claudia Pia Fidelis , established by Julius Caesar, which took part in the battle of Alesia against Vercingetorix.The Roman legion's base camp was the town of Viminacium (in present-day Serbia), where this coin was minted.
The theoretical weight of the sesterces was originally 18.04g, but this began to decrease significantly from the year VIII onwards, at a rate of around 1g per year, which explains the particularly low weight of these examples.
Other busts may not be listed here.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Salus, who is depicted standing and holding a patera, a symbol of health and well-being, on the reverse side. This suggests that the coin may have been issued to promote the idea of health and prosperity during the reign of Emperor Volusianus.
