© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Denarius - Vespasian COS VIII; Mars
| Silver | 3.2 g | 17.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 77-78 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.2 g |
| Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#249849 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak round waist, standing left, holding spear slanting upwards in right hand and trophy on left shoulder in left; corn-ear upright in ground, on right.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS VIII
Translation:
Consul Octavum.
Consul for the eighth time.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.97–3.37 g;Diameter varies: 17–19 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius - Vespasian (COS VIII; Mars) (77-78) coin features a unique design on its reverse side, depicting Mars, the Roman god of war, standing right and holding a spear and a shield. This design was meant to highlight Vespasian's military prowess and his role as a powerful Roman emperor.
