Antoninianus - Diocletianus SALVS AVGG; Salus
291 year| Silver | 4.2 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 |
| Year | 291 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.2 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#305747 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing right, feeding snake held in arms.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVS AVGG
Translation:
Salus Duorum Augustorum.
Health of the two emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Mass varies: 4.14–4.2 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus - Diocletianus coin is that it was issued during a time of great economic and political turmoil in the Roman Empire. The coin was minted in 291 AD, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, who introduced a series of economic reforms in an attempt to stabilize the empire's economy. These reforms included debasing the currency, which is reflected in the fact that the Antoninianus - Diocletianus coin was made of silver, but weighed only 4.2 grams, compared to the standard 5.4 grams of earlier Antoninianus coins. This decrease in silver content was an attempt to increase the amount of currency in circulation and stimulate trade, but it ultimately contributed to inflation and further economic instability. Despite these challenges, the coin remains a valuable piece of history and a testament to the resilience of the Roman Empire.