© Institute of Classics/University of Graz
© Institute of Classics/University of Graz
Antoninianus - Diocletianus ORIENS AVG; Sol
| Silver | 3 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Diocletian (Gaius Aurelius Valerius Diocletianus) (284-305) Maximian Herculius (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus) (286-305) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 285-289 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#305924 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sol, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand.
Scripts: Latin, Greek
Lettering:
ORIENS AVG
-/-//XXIς
Translation:
Oriens Augusti.
The rising sun of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Example of this type:Institute of Classics/University of Graz
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who was known for his ambitious economic and military reforms, including the introduction of a new currency system that replaced the traditional Roman denarius with the argenteus, a silver coin that was valued at 1/40th of a pound of silver. This coin, the Antoninianus, was introduced during Diocletian's reign and was a significant departure from the traditional Roman coinage, as it was made of silver rather than the usual copper or bronze. This change in currency was an attempt to address the rampant inflation that had plagued the Roman Empire for centuries and to stabilize the economy.
