Antoninianus - Numerian PIETAS AVGG; Mercury
| Billon (.042 silver) | 3.8 g | 22.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) (283-284) Carinus (Marcus Aurelius Carinus) (283-285) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 283-284 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Billon (.042 silver) |
| Weight | 3.8 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#298473 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Mercury, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand.
Scripts: Latin, Greek
Lettering:
PIETAS AVGG
-/-//KAΔ
Translation:
Pietas Duorum Augustorum.
Piety of the two emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Mass varies: 2.63–4.91 g;Diameter varies: 20.5–25 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman god Mercury on its reverse side, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Emperor Numerian. Mercury was the messenger god and was often depicted with wings on his sandals and a caduceus, a staff with two intertwined snakes. This image symbolized the speed and efficiency of communication and commerce, which was an important aspect of Roman society at the time.
