103 TRAJAN Roman Empire Denarius Superb Style Mars NGC Ch XF Star (18031401C)

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. 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.