Vespasian Sestertius, Mars reverse
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203 · 71 AD · Rome
Obverse
Reverse
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Obverse
IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III
Head of Vespasian, laureate, left
Reverse
S C
Mars advancing right, holding spear and trophy
About This Type
This RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203 is a sestertius of Vespasian (71 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Mars advancing right, holding spear and trophy. Struck in bronze at a standard weight of 25.36g, 34mm diameter.
About the Sestertius
The sestertius was the large brass prestige coin of the Roman imperial series, typically 25–28 grams and 30–35mm in diameter. Its size gave engravers room for the finest portrait art and most detailed reverse compositions in Roman coinage. Sestertii bear the SC mark indicating senatorial authority over base metal coinage.
About the Rome Mint
The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203?
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203 is a Bronze Sestertius of Vespasian (71 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203.
- How do you identify RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203?
- The obverse depicts Head of Vespasian, laureate, left with the inscription IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III. The reverse depicts Mars advancing right, holding spear and trophy with the inscription S C. Portrait type: laureate.
- What are the physical specifications of RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203?
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 203 was struck in Bronze, standard weight 25.36g, diameter 34mm, die axis 6 h, struck.
Identify your own coins
Upload a photo and get instant attribution powered by our catalog of 80,000+ ancient coin types.
Try Coin Identification