Sestertius of Severus Alexander - Mars Fighting Reverse

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Brass Sestertius of Severus Alexander

Mars, the Roman god of war, turns to face an unseen enemy to his right on the reverse of this large Sestertius struck during the reign of Severus Alexander (A.D. 222 - 235). Mars wears a crested helmet and carries a round shield, in the style of the early hastatii or javelin men of the pre - Marian army instead of the more familiar square shield carried by troops portrayed on Trajan's Column. The lames, strips of hard leather or metal covered leather protecting his groin area are clearly visible hanging down in front. A hint of a cape swirls out behind this heroic and dapper defender of the Old Republic.

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