© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Numerian VIRTVS AVGG or VIRTVS AVGG•
| Silver | 3.7 g | 21.5 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 | Silver |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 21.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#298546 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Numerian, draped, cuirassed, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and receiving globe or Victory on globe from Jupiter or Carus standing left, holding sceptre.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVGG or VIRTVS AVGG•
Translation:
Virtus Duorum Augustorum.
Courage of the two emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Mass varies: 3.06–4.374 g;Diameter varies: 21–22 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Numerian in 283 AD, and it was the first Roman coin to feature a portrait of the emperor on one side and a goddess on the other. The coin was made of silver and weighed 3.7 grams, which was a significant reduction in weight from previous Roman coins. This change in weight was likely due to the economic difficulties the Roman Empire was facing at the time, and it marked a shift towards a more debased currency. Despite this, the Antoninianus coin remained a popular and widely used currency throughout the Roman Empire for many years.
