Antoninianus - Aemilianus VIRTVS AVG; Hercules
253 year| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Aemilianus (Marcus Aemilus Aemilianus) (253) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 253 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#284696 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, nude, standing left, leaning on club, holding bow in right hand and lion-skin in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman silver coin for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver, but it was smaller and lighter than the denarius, with a lower silver content. Despite its lower value, the Antoninianus was still widely used throughout the Roman Empire and remained in circulation for over a century. The coin features an image of Hercules on the reverse, which was a common motif on Roman coins during this period. The obverse of the coin bears the image of the emperor, in this case, Aemilianus (253 AD), who ruled the Roman Empire for a brief period before being killed in battle. Overall, the Antoninianus coin is an interesting example of how the Roman Empire adapted its currency to meet the needs of its expanding economy and changing political landscape.