© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Caracalla P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P; Sol
215 year| Silver | 5 g | 23 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 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273410 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, naked except for cloak over left shoulder, standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding globe 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: 4.315–5.533 g;Diameter varies: 22–24 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin 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 coin was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, which had been debased over time. The Antoninianus was also larger and heavier than the denarius, weighing 5 grams compared to the denarius' 3.5 grams. This made it a more valuable and prestigious coin, and it was used extensively throughout the Roman Empire for large transactions and as a store of value.
