| Emisor | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Año | 163-164 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius |
| Moneda | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composición | Bronze |
| Peso | 24.7 g |
| Diámetro | |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | RIC III#891, OCRE#ric.3.m_aur.891 |
| Descripción del anverso | Bust of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, cuirassed, right. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del anverso |
M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS P M (Translation: Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Armeniacus, Pontifex Maximus. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus emperor (Augustus), conqueror of the Armenians, high priest.) |
| Descripción del reverso | Victory, winged, draped, standing right, holding transverse trophy in both hands; at right, Armenia, draped, seated in mourning position on ground; before her, standard and shield. |
| Escritura del reverso | Latin |
| Leyenda del reverso |
VICT AVG TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C (Translation: Victoria Augusti. Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Imperator Secundum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum. Victory of the emperor (Augustus). Holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the second time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (163-164) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1036070130 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This Sestertius (163-164 AD) dates to the co-reign of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. The "VICT AVG" legend, with Marcus Aurelius's TR P XVIII, IMP II, COS III titulature, commemorates significant military successes. These honors primarily reflect early Roman victories in the ongoing Parthian War (161-166 AD), where forces under Lucius Verus achieved decisive gains, culminating in Ctesiphon's capture. As senior emperor, Marcus Aurelius shared in these triumphs, using the Sestertius as powerful propaganda for imperial prowess and stability.
Artistry: The artistic execution exemplifies the refined Antonine style of the Rome mint. Engravers were anonymous, but coinage blends classical idealism with nascent naturalism. Marcus Aurelius's portrait features meticulously rendered, tightly curled hair and a contemplative expression. The reverse depicts Victory, a ubiquitous symbol of Roman triumph, rendered with elegant drapery and dynamic movement, holding a wreath and palm. This iconography reinforced the imperial narrative of success and divine favor, adhering to numismatic traditions.
Technical/Grading: For grading, key obverse points include the intricate hair, ear, and nose tip of Marcus Aurelius's portrait. On the reverse, critical elements are Victory's face, wing tips, feathering, and drapery folds. A strong, centered strike is paramount for full legibility of all legends ("VICT AVG," "S C") and complete device rendering. For bronze, a well-preserved, even patina without significant corrosion is highly desirable, as are clear details on the often-irregular flan, indicating minimal wear and strike quality.