Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius VICT AVG TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C, Victory
| Émetteur | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Année | 163-164 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius |
| Devise | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Poids | 24.9 g |
| Diamètre | 31.5 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | RIC III#890, OCRE#ric.3.m_aur.890 |
| Description de l’avers | Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
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.) |
| Description du revers | 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. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
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.) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (163-164) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1641039980 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
×
![]()
Historical Context: This Sestertius, dated 163-164 AD, falls within Marcus Aurelius's reign, the "Philosopher Emperor" of the Antonine Dynasty. Co-ruling with Lucius Verus, Marcus Aurelius was embroiled in the significant Parthian War (161-166 AD). The reverse inscription, VICT AVG (Victoria Augusti), directly celebrates imperial military successes, likely commemorating victories against the Parthian Empire. This crucial campaign secured Rome's eastern frontier and bolstered the emperors' prestige.
Artistry: The coin's artistry reflects the refined classical style of the Antonine period. Though engravers are anonymous, the imperial mint upheld high standards. The obverse typically features a finely sculpted, idealized laureate portrait of Marcus Aurelius, conveying imperial dignity. The reverse invariably depicts Victory, a potent allegorical figure, often advancing with a wreath and palm branch, symbolizing military triumph. Meticulous detailing of drapery and forms on these large bronze flans was a hallmark of the era's craftsmanship.
Technical/Grading: For this substantial bronze Sestertius, strike quality is paramount. Obverse high-points include the emperor's hair, brow, and laurel wreath. On the reverse, Victory's face, breasts, and attributes (wreath, palm) are crucial. A well-struck example displays full, sharp details on both sides, with clear legends, despite challenges of striking large bronze flans. Given common irregular flans or slight off-centering, a specimen with excellent centering and strong, complete detail is highly prized.