- Roman Empire denarius, 3.42g, RIC 163, minted 103 to 104 AD.
- Note the super detail of Mars, his cuirass, helmet and shield. Some residual luster.
- NGC certified Ch XF Star (The Star designation indicates that the coin has exceptional eye appeal, usually derived from some impressive aspect(s) of the strike, surface or style).
- Obverse: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC PM TR P COS V PP, laureate head right, draped on left shoulder.
- Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI. Mars in military dress standing right holding spear and resting on shield.
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In ancient Roman religion and myth, Mars was the god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was second in importance only to Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army.