© PrimeME
© PrimeME
Antoninianus - Carus Draped, cuirassed, right; SPES PVBLICA; Spes
| Silver | 3.16 g | 22.91 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Carus (Marcus Aurelius Carus) (282-283) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 282-283 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.16 g |
| Diameter | 22.91 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#296236 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, walking left, holding flower in right hand and raising robe with left hand.
Mintmark of the second officina (SXXI) in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SPES PVBLICA
-/-//SXXI
Unabridged legend: Spes Publica
Translation: Hope of the public.
Comment
RIC 81 was minted by the second officina (-/-//SXXI) of the Ticinum mint. The original RIC text mentions three variations/bust types:
- radiate, draped, right (Numista #296235);
- radiate, draped, cuirassed, right (this coin);
- radiate, cuirassed, right (Numista #296237).
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Carus, who ruled the Roman Empire from 282 to 283 AD. The coin's design features a depiction of the goddess Spes (meaning "hope" in Latin) on the reverse, which was a common motif during Carus' reign. This coin was part of a series of coins issued by Carus to promote the idea of hope and prosperity throughout the empire. Despite its small size, this coin is a significant artifact from ancient Rome and offers a glimpse into the cultural and political climate of the time.
