© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Caracalla P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P
215 year| Silver | 4.4 g | 23.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 215 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.4 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273434 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Lion, radiate, walking left, holding thunderbolt in its jaws.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.136–4.924 g;Diameter varies: 22.5–25 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin is that it was introduced by the Roman Emperor Caracalla in 215 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman currency for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, which had been debased over time. The coin was also introduced as a way to increase the emperor's popularity and to promote his image as a powerful and generous leader. Despite its introduction, the Antoninianus did not last long and was eventually replaced by other currencies.
