Caracalla - Mars






Emperor Caracalla
Mint Rome
Date 205AD
Size (mm) 18
Weight (g) 3.49
Die Axis 180
Tariff Denarius
Ob. Leg. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Ob. Desc. Laureate and draped bust right
Meaning (Antoninvs Pivs Avgvstvs). Antonius Pius is your Emperor
Rev. Leg. PONTIF TR P VII COS II
Rev. Desc. Mars, with cloak, foot on helmet, holding branch and spear
Meaning (Pontifex Tribunicia Potestas VII Consul II). Priest and Tribune of the People for the seventh time, Consul for the second time
References; Collection; Sear 1841, RIC 80b RSC 420a, BMC 481
Notes: Mars (god of war) is usually depicted naked with a cloak and helmet (as here) or in full armour. He normally has a shield, spear and trophy, though here he has his foot on a helmet, indicating military prowess, and a branch possibly indicating he is willing to extend the olive branch to those he has pacified.