Marcus Aurelius 161 - 180 A.D.
Coin Description | Marcus Aurelius, AE As 23mm, Grade ??, The coin came from an uncleaned lot its very worn especially the legend but the coin still shows very nice detail especially on the reverse, RIC III 1051 |
Obverse | The portrait is of Marcus Aurelius a Laureate bust facing right. The legend reads M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXVII meaning: M ANTONINVS (his name Marcus Antoninus AVG (Augustus which defines him as the emperor) TR P (Tribunica Potestas or Tribunician Powers this gave the emperor the same powers as the peoples tribune who watched over the political needs of the plebeians with among others the power to veto senatorial degrees (a very useful office for an emperor to hold of course) XXVII (roman numerals indicating he holds the Tribunician powers for the 27th time). |
Reverse |
The reverse shows the mourning personification of Germania seated facing right at the feet of a trophy standard (Tropaeum). The legend reads: GERMANIA SVBACTA IMP VI COS III with SC in the fields which translates as: GERMANIA SVBACTA (Germania defeated/subdued) IMP VI (Imperator, here it refers to a title awarded in case of important victories by either the Emperor or one of his subordinates IMP VI gave the title of Imperator to Marcus Aurelius in 171 AD for the 6th time) COS III (Consul three times 140, 145, 161 AD) SC (Senatus Consulto by decree of the senate) Roman Imperial bronze coins contained less than their full nominal value in metal and so their value was supported by decree of the Senate "Senatus Consulto" making it a guarantee of the coin's face value. |
Mint | Rome minted between December 172 and December 173 (based on the 27th title of Tribunica Potestas which was renewed annually on December 10th) |
The Entire Story | Marcus Antoninus the Emperor holding Tribunician powers for the 27th time having been declared Imperator 6 times and Consul 3 times has defeated/subdued the Germanic barbarians. This coin was struck to celebrate Marcus Aurelius' continuing victories over the Germanic tribes. |