© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Aureus MARS VLTOR; Genius and Mars
| Gold | 7.34 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Period | Civil War (68-69) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 68-69 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.34 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#248461 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars advancing right, wearing only helmet, holding javelin in right hand, round shield in left; left, parazonium.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MARS VLTOR
Translation:
Mars Ultor.
Mars, the avenger.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique combination of imagery and inscriptions that reflect the political and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD). The obverse side of the coin depicts the emperor's portrait, while the reverse side shows the god Mars standing between the Genius (spirit) of the Roman people and the goddess Victory. The inscription "MARS VLTOR" means "Mars the Avenger," which suggests that the coin was issued to commemorate a military victory. Additionally, the use of gold as the material for the coin highlights the wealth and power of the Roman Empire at that time.
