The Roman emperor

Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 AD
A large (31 mm, half-dollar size, but thicker) brass sestertius, struck 171 AD. Obverse legend:

M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV

The "M" is for "Marcus". The precise date is known by the "TRP XXV" in the legend which refers to the 25th year he held the power of the tribune, which was 171 AD.

The reverse shows Victory inscribing "VIC GER" on a shield, which refers to victories over the Germans. The legend around is "IMP VI COS III", which refers to the 6th time he was acclaimed "Imperator" (something like "victorious commander-in-chief") and that he had been consul three times.

 

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