© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Denarius - Vitellius CONSENSVS EXERCITVM; Mars
69 year| Silver | 3.4 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius) (69) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 69 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#244167 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, wearing only cloak, advancing left, holding spear in right hand and aquila and vexillum in left
Script: Latin
Lettering: CONSENSVS EXERCITVM
Translation:
Consensus Exercitum
The consent of the army.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.38–3.49 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a depiction of the Roman god of war, Mars, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during this time period. The image of Mars was meant to symbolize the power and strength of the Roman military and was often used to promote the idea of military victory and expansion. Additionally, the coin's obverse side features an image of Vitellius, who was a Roman emperor in the 1st century AD and is known for his role in the Year of the Four Emperors, a period of political turmoil in which multiple emperors ruled Rome in quick succession.
