Augustus

Denarius · Silver

RIC I² 356

Obverse

Augustus bust right, on round shield in laurel wreath

Reverse

Mars, helmeted and cloaked, standing left, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left, on pedestal inscribed S P Q R V P S PR S ET RED AVG

Historical Note

Mars Ultor stands on a pedestal bearing a long senatorial inscription relating to Augustus's return and vows made on his behalf — S P Q R V(ota) P(ublica) S(uscepit) PR(o) S(alute) ET RED(itu) AVG(usti), meaning the Senate and People of Rome made public vows for the health and return of Augustus. This connects the Mars Ultor type to the occasion of Augustus's return from the eastern provinces, likely 19 BC when he returned after securing the Parthian standards and the Armenian settlement.