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Marcus Aurelius Marius was emperor of the Gallic Empire in 268.
According to later tradition, he was a blacksmith by trade who rose through the ranks of the Roman army to become an officer. After the death of Postumus he seized power, reportedly for two or three days, before being killed by a sword of his own manufacture.
This tradition is probably partially or entirely incorrect. Based upon the number of coins he issued, a more accurate length for his reign would be at least two or three months. Marius is listed among the Thirty Tyrants in the Historia Augusta.
Denomination : Bronze Antoninianus. Mint : Cologne.
Reference : RIC 5, part 2, page 377 #9. Sear-3155
Size : 16.9 x 18.0 mm Weight : 3.12 grams.
Grade : VF slightly off-centre.
Obverse : Radiate bust of Marius right, with IMP C M AVR MARIVS P F AVG around (the first half of the inscription is off the flan, but IVS P F AVG is clear.
Reverse : Felicitas standing left holding a caduceus and cornucopiae, with SAEC FELICITAS around.
At a glance one could confuse this coin with Postumus, as both Postumus and Marius have similar portraits and the part of the obverse inscription visible could be MVS P F AVG with the first part of the M off the flan. However, Postumus never issued this reverse type, so the coin can only be a Marius. (Description/Coin - Ex- Calgary Coins)
Collection : Roman Personalities