© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Denarius - Vitellius CONSENSVS EXERCITVVM; Mars
69 year| Silver | 3.4 g | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#244181 |
|---|---|
| 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 EXERCITVVM
Translation:
Consensus Exercitum
The consent of the army.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Trustees of the British Museum (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare and unique representation of the Roman god Mars on the reverse side. Instead of the usual depiction of Mars holding a spear and shield, this coin shows Mars standing with his right hand on the prow of a ship, symbolizing his role as the protector of the Roman fleet. This unusual design was likely meant to commemorate Vitellius' military campaigns and his successes in naval battles.
