© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Denarius - Augustus L MESCINIVS RVFVS IIIVIR XV SF IMP CAES AVG LVD SAEC; Mars 16 BC
16 BC year| Silver | 3.8 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 16 BC |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.8 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#247835 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Cippus inscribed IMP CAES AVG LVD SAEC.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
L MESCINIVS RVFVS IIIVIR XV SF
IMP CAES AVG LVD SAEC
Translation:
Lucius Mescinius Rufus, Triumvir, Quindecimviri Sacris Faciundis. Imperatori Caesari Augusti Ludi Seculares
Lucius Mescinius Rufus, moneyer (Triumvir Monetalis), one of the 15 men of the sacred college (Sacris Faciundis). The Secular games of supreme commander (imperator) Caesar Augustus.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare representation of the Roman god of war, Mars, on its reverse side. The image of Mars is depicted in a unique way, with his hair and beard styled in a manner that is different from the traditional Roman depictions of the god. This has led some numismatists to speculate that the coin may have been issued to commemorate a specific military victory or event during the reign of Augustus.
