AUGUSTUS AR silver cistophorus. Struck at Pergamum, circa 19 BC. IMP IX TR PO V, bare head of Augustus right. Reverse -MART VLTOR, Temple of Mars Ultor containing legionary standard. RIC507, RCV 1589. Very scarce. 29mm, 11.0g.
According to Sear, the temple of Mars the Avenger was situated on the Capitoline hill, and specially built to house the legionary standards of Crassus and Marcus Antonius recovered from King Phraates IV of Persia. Towards the end of his life, Emperor Augustus recalled it as one of his greatest achievements.