Antoninianus - Constantius I VIRTVS AVGG
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 | 295-294 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#306703 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Soldier, draped, cuirassed, standing left, leaning on shield with right hand and holding spear in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS AVGG
-/-//B
Translation:
Virtus Augustorum.
Courage of the emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin, which features Constantius I (VIRTVS AVGG) on one side and a radiate crown on the other, was introduced during the reign of Emperor Carus (282-283 AD) as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman silver coin for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of a silver-copper alloy and had a higher silver content than the denarius, making it more valuable. However, due to inflation and debasement of the currency, the value of the Antoninianus decreased over time, and it was eventually replaced by the argenteus, a coin made of pure silver. Despite this, the Antoninianus remains an important part of Roman numismatic history and is highly sought after by collectors today.