© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Caracalla P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P; Serapis
215 year| Silver | 5.1 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 | 5.1 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273406 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Serapis, wearing polos on head, standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding transverse sceptre in left hand.
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: 4.96–5.32 g;Diameter varies: 23–24 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin , which features Caracalla and the god Serapis on its reverse, was minted during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The coin's silver content was actually decreased during Caracalla's reign, as part of a broader effort to debase the currency and pay for military campaigns and public works. Despite this, the coin remained an important symbol of Roman power and influence, and its imagery continued to reflect the cultural and religious values of the time.
