A Tale of Two Denarii

Few things fire the imagination like holding a Roman denarius that still shows every hammer blow from when it was made.

Here we have two fine examples that speak of the drama and durability of Rome’s empire.

The first is a handsome denarius of Caracalla, struck in Rome around AD 207. The portrait remains sharp, showing the emperor’s famously severe features, while the reverse depicts Mars holding spear and shield with a war trophy over his shoulder. The coin’s irregular flan adds to its appeal – no clipping here, which is what gave rise to the phrase “short-changed” when coins were valued by their weight in silver or gold.

Our second coin dates from AD 223, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander. He became emperor at just 13 and ruled for 13 years – no small feat in an era where succession often meant murder. This denarius shows Mars again, this time with a laurel branch in his right hand and a reversed spear in his left, a subtle nod to peace as well as war.

Together they’re a reminder that even in turbulent times, Rome still celebrated its gods, its emperors, and its victories – in silver that has outlasted them all.