Marius
Gallic Emperor 268 AD
Marcus Aurelius Marius was a blacksmith by trade. Marius was one of the “Thirty Tyrants” named in Historia Augusta during the late 3rd century AD. He apparently joined the Roman army and rose through its ranks to reach the elevated status of an officer. Following the death of the Gallic Emperor Postumus, Marius seized the Gallic throne but was murdered by his own soldiers after a very brief reign. Romantic stories about him like to claim that he was killed by a sword of his own manufacture. It is also said that his reign was merely a few days. However, based upon the extent of his coinage, it is more likely that his reign was perhaps one or two months.
Monetary System
Mints: Cologne; unidentified mint
Obverse Legends:
IMP C M AVR MARIVS P F AVG
IMP C M AVR MARIVS AVG
IMP C MARIVS P F AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Aureus (6.33 grams)
Æ Antoninianus (Hd rt/Victory left)
Æ Antoninianus (Hd rt/Victory rt)
Æ Antoninianus Hd Rt/Clapsed hands)
Æ Antoninianus Hd Rt/Felicitas stndg caduceus & cornucopiae)
COUNTERFEITS
