Antoninianus - Numerianus as Caesar PRINCIPI IVVENT or PRINCIPI IVVENTVT
| Silver | 3.3 g | 22.5 mm |
| 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 |
| Numista | N#296422 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
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;
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 youthful age," indicating that Numerianus was seen as a symbol of youth and vitality. This coin is a rare example of how the Roman Empire sometimes used its currency to promote the image of its rulers, even if they did not technically hold the title of Caesar.
