Antoninianus - Carinus PIETA AVG or PIETAS AVG; Mercury
| Silver | 3.5 g | 21.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Carinus (Marcus Aurelius Carinus) (283-285) Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) (283-284) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 283-285 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.5 g |
| Diameter | 21.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#298311 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mercury, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand.
Scripts: Latin, Greek
Lettering:
PIETA AVG or PIETAS AVG
-/-//KAΔ
Translation:
Pietas Augusti.
The piety of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 3.34–3.74 g;Diameter varies: 20–22.5 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the god Mercury on its reverse side, which was a common motif in Roman coinage during the 3rd century AD. Mercury was the Roman god of commerce, eloquence, and thieves, and was often depicted with his iconic winged sandals and caduceus, a staff with two intertwined snakes. The inclusion of Mercury on this coin may have been intended to promote the idea of trade and prosperity under the rule of Carinus, who was known for his military campaigns and territorial expansion.
