Marcus Aurelius Sestertius, Mars reverse
RIC III Marcus Aurelius 992 · 170 AD-171 AD · Rome
Obverse
M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV
Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right
Reverse
COS III S C
Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak flying behind, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand
About This Type
This RIC III Marcus Aurelius 992 is a sestertius of Marcus Aurelius (170 AD-171 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak flying behind, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand.
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 III Marcus Aurelius 992?
- RIC III Marcus Aurelius 992 is a Bronze Sestertius of Marcus Aurelius (170 AD-171 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Marcus Aurelius 992.
- How do you identify RIC III Marcus Aurelius 992?
- The obverse depicts Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right with the inscription M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak flying behind, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand with the inscription COS III S C. Portrait type: laureate.
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