Antoninianus - Caracalla P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P; Pluto
215 year| Silver | 5.4 g | 24 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 | 5.4 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273400 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Pluto, wearing polos on head, seated left, extending right hand and holding sceptre in left hand; to left, Minotaur.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P
Unabridged legend: Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae.
Translation: High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, on its reverse side. This is unusual as most Roman coins of that time period featured images of gods and goddesses from the classical Roman pantheon, such as Jupiter, Mars, or Venus. The inclusion of Pluto on this coin may indicate that the emperor Caracalla, who ruled from 211 to 217 AD, had a particular interest in the mysteries of the underworld or wanted to emphasize the power of the Roman state over the realm of death.
