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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1205

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1205. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Marcus Aurelius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right, with the legend M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXI.

The reverse shows liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in extended right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend LIBERALITAS AVG VII IMP VIII COS III P P S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus ruled as Roman emperor from 161 until his death in 180, marking the end of both the Pax Romana and the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. His reign was dominated by extensive military engagements, including the Parthian War and campaigns against the Marcomanni, Quadi, and Iazyges in the Marcomannic Wars, alongside internal challenges such as the Antonine Plague, which broke out in 165 or 166.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius represents a denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius and used in imperial commerce. The obverse displays the laureate portrait of the emperor with the title "M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXI", referencing his tribunician power and military victories. The reverse depicts Liberalitas holding an abacus and cornucopiae, accompanied by the legend "LIBERALITAS AVG VII IMP VIII COS III P P S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Marcus Aurelius

Design

Obverse
Head of Marcus Aurelius, laureate, right
Reverse
Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in extended right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXI
Reverse legend
LIBERALITAS AVG VII IMP VIII COS III P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1205
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
M ANTONINVS AVG GERM SARM TR P XXXI
Reverse legend to match
LIBERALITAS AVG VII IMP VIII COS III P P S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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