© Aquistapace
© Aquistapace
Antoninianus - Hostilian as Caesar MARS PROPVG; Mars
251 year| Silver | 4 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Decius (Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius) (249-251) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 251 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#282868 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MARS PROPVG
Translation:
Mars Propugnatori.
Mars, the defender.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.63–4.4 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the Roman god of war, Mars, on one side, and Hostilian, who was a Caesar (junior emperor) during the reign of Emperor Trajan Decius, on the other side. This coin was minted during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire, with constant wars and political upheaval, and it's interesting to note that the image of Mars, the god of war, was perhaps a symbol of the empire's reliance on military power during this time.
