Denarius - Marcus Aurelius IMP VII COS III; Mars
174 year| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 174 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#262968 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak flying behind, advancing right, holding spear in right hand and trophy over left shoulder in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMP VII COS III
Translation:
Imperator Septimum, Consul Tertium.
Supreme commander (Imperator) for the seventh time, consul for the third time.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin featuring Marcus Aurelius (IMP VII COS III; Mars) was minted during a time of significant economic and military change in the Roman Empire. The coin's design, which features Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, reflects the emperor's efforts to promote military victories and the power of the Roman state. Despite being made of silver, the coin's value was not based on its precious metal content, but rather on its official value as a standardized unit of currency, as determined by the Roman government. This coin is a fascinating example of how currency can serve as a tool for political and social messaging, as well as a reflection of the economic and political systems of a particular time and place.
