Antoninianus - Diocletianus VIRTVS AVGG
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 | 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#305795 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Diocletian, draped, standing right, holding spear in right hand and parazonium in left hand; placing foot on captive.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS AVGG
C/-//PTR
Translation:
Virtus Augustorum.
Courage of the emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin is that it was introduced by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 295 AD as a reform to the Roman currency system, which had been suffering from inflation and debasement. The Antoninianus was made of silver and was intended to be a more stable and reliable currency than the previous coinage. It was also introduced as a way to honor the Roman goddess of virtue, Virtus, whose image appeared on the coin. The coin's design and introduction were significant because they marked a turning point in the Roman Empire's economic and political history, and they reflect the efforts of the Roman government to address the economic challenges of the time.