© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Constantius I PROVIDENT DEOR; Providentia
| Billon (.048 silver) | 3.7 g | 22.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Caesar | Constantius I Chlorus (Flavius Valerius Constantius) (293-305) |
| Emperor | Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) Maximian Herculius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus) (286-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 293-294 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Billon (.048 silver) |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#306690 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, seated left, holding baton in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at foot, globe.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PROVIDENT DEOR
-/-//-
Translation:
Providentia Deorum.
Foresight of the gods.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.42–3.88 g;Diameter varies: 21–23 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Constantius I, who was the first Roman emperor to adopt Christianity as the official religion of the empire. This coin, which features the image of Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight and provision, was likely minted as part of a series of coins that celebrated the emperor's conversion and the spread of Christianity throughout the empire. Despite its small size and relatively low silver content, this coin is a significant artifact of ancient Roman history and a testament to the enduring influence of Christianity on Western civilization.
