Antoninianus - Tacitus AEQVITAS AVG; Aequitas
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Tacitus (Marcus Claudius Tacitus) (275-276) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 275-276 |
| 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#291757 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
AEQVITAS AVG
-/-//P
Translation:
Aequitas Augusti.
Equity of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Tacitus in 275-276 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman currency for centuries. The coin was made of silver and was intended to be worth twice as much as the denarius, with the aim of stabilizing the Roman economy and combating inflation. The coin featured an image of Tacitus on one side and the goddess Aequitas (representing fairness and justice) on the other, with the inscription AEQVITAS AVG (Aequitas Augusti) or AEQVITAS ROMANA (Roman Fairness). Despite its introduction, the Antoninianus coin did not last long and was eventually replaced by other currencies, but it remains an interesting piece of Roman history and a testament to the empire's efforts to stabilize its economy.