Antoninianus - Tacitus MARS VICTOR; Mars
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Tacitus (Marcus Claudius Tacitus) (275-276) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 275-276 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#291666 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MARS VICTOR
B/*//-
Translation:
Mars Victor.
Mars, the victorious.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced during the reign of Emperor Tacitus (275-276 AD) and was the first coin to feature the Roman god of war, Mars, on one side and the emperor on the other. This coin was a significant departure from previous Roman coins, which typically featured the emperor alone, and marked a shift towards a more militaristic and imperialistic ideology. The inclusion of Mars, who was seen as a symbol of strength and victory, was a deliberate choice by Tacitus to emphasize his military prowess and to promote the idea of Rome as a powerful and dominant force.
