© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius - Pescennius Niger VIRTVTI AVG; Mars
| Silver | 3.1 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Usurpations of Syria (Roman Imperial usurpations) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | Pescennius Niger (193-194) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 193-194 |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#271362 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing front, head right, holding spear in right hand and leaning left onto shield.
Lettering: VIRTVTI AVG
Unabridged legend: Virtuti Augusti.
Translation: To the courage of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during this period. This suggests that Pescennius Niger, the usurper who issued the coin, may have been trying to emphasize his military prowess and association with the god of war in order to legitimize his claim to the throne.
