Denarius - Augustus (VOT P SVSC PRO SAL ET RED I O M SACR; Mars) (18 BC - 17 BC) front Denarius - Augustus (VOT P SVSC PRO SAL ET RED I O M SACR; Mars) (18 BC - 17 BC) back
Denarius - Augustus (VOT P SVSC PRO SAL ET RED I O M SACR; Mars) (18 BC - 17 BC) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Denarius - Augustus VOT P SVSC PRO SAL ET RED I O M SACR; Mars 18 BC - 17 BC

 
Silver 3.9 g -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
18 BC - 17 BC
Value
1 Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.9 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#247565
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing left, holding vexillum in right hand and parazonium on left shoulder.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VOT P SVSC PRO SAL ET RED I O M SACR

Translation:
Vota Publica Suscepta Pro Salute et Reditu Iovi Optimo Maximo Sacrata.
Public sacrifices have been made to holy Jupiter, the best and greatest, for the well-being and the safe return [of the Emperor].

Comment

Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on one side, and Augustus, the Roman emperor, on the other. This coin was minted during a time when Augustus was trying to promote peace and stability throughout the empire, and the image of Mars may have been included to symbolize the power and strength of the Roman military.