Antoninianus - Numerianus as Caesar (PRINCIPI IVVENT or PRINCIPI IVVENTVT) (282-283) front Antoninianus - Numerianus as Caesar (PRINCIPI IVVENT or PRINCIPI IVVENTVT) (282-283) back
Antoninianus - Numerianus as Caesar (PRINCIPI IVVENT or PRINCIPI IVVENTVT) (282-283) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Antoninianus - Numerianus as Caesar PRINCIPI IVVENT or PRINCIPI IVVENTVT

 
Silver 3.3 g 22.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Caesar
Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) (282-283)
Emperor
Carus (Marcus Aurelius Carus) (282-283)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
282-283
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.3 g
Diameter
22.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#296421
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Numerian, draped, cuirassed, standing left, holding baton in right hand and sceptre in left hand.

Scripts: Latin, Greek

Lettering:
PRINCIPI IVVENT or PRINCIPI IVVENTVT
-/-//ΔKA

Translation:
Principi Juventutis.
To the prince of the youth.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.41–4.18 g;
Diameter varies: 20.9–24 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 the image of Numerianus as Caesar, which is unusual because Numerianus was not actually a Caesar, but rather a junior emperor who ruled alongside his father, Carus. Despite this, the coin still bears the legend "PRINCIPI IVVENT" or "PRINCIPI IVVENTVT," which means "to the prince of youth" or "to the prince of the young," suggesting that Numerianus was being groomed for a higher role in the empire. This coin provides a unique insight into the political dynamics of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD.