Mars Close Approach to Earth

Florian


Florian
Coin: Bronze Ant
IMP C M AN FLORIANVS AVG - Radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right
VIRTVS AVGVSTI - Mars advancing right holding shield & spear treading down captive, IIII in ex.
Mint: Lyons (276 AD)
Wt./Size/Axis: 3.37g / 21mm / -
Notes: Aug 22, 14 - RIC 16 Cohen 107

 

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And coin....my first ever ancient coin purchase was this type.

 

@Pishpash

I do not believe that the reverse depicts Mars but depicts the emperor. Compare with my example below. In modern references e.g. Bastien it is referred to as the emperor in military dress....

 

@maridvnvm thanks for this, I will have to have a closer look.

 

OK, what about this:


Quintillus
Coin: Bronze Antoninianus.
IMP CM AVR CL QVINTILLVS AVG - Radiate, cuirassed bust right
MARTI PACIF - Mars walking left, holding branch and transverse spear. X in left field
Mint: Rome (270 AD)
Wt./Size/Axis: 4.57g / 20mm / -
Notes: Dec 6, 13 - RIC V-1 Rome 24

 

@maridvnvm, first, Promise you, this isn't to be snarky; given the depths of my ignorance, it's a real question. Could there be more interpretive latitude in this context, along the lines of the emperor being identified with the god? Maybe even in some less formal sense than a personification per se?

 

Great coin David.

 

Nice coins!

 

The depiction on the reverse clearly shows a person standing who is laureate. The challenge should be who else would be depicted if not the emperor.