The coin’s reverse portrays a Roman Legionary in colour.  Tough, courageous and highly-disciplined infantry soldiers, professional legionaries formed the backbone of the Roman army, a formidable fighting force that conquered and controlled Rome’s vast Empire.  The design shows a legionary wielding a gladius, a short sword employed in close-combat fighting, and a scutum, a rectangular curved shield used for protection as well as battering through enemy ranks. The legionary is dressed in a galea, a metal helmet with cheek guards, and a cuirass, body armour comprising overlapping iron plates.  The legionary is also wearing an apron of leather strips featuring metal plates hanging from his belt, and caligae, leather sandals with iron hobnails.