© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
© The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Antoninianus - Tacitus AEQVITAS AVG; Aequitas
| Silver | 3.7 g | 22 mm |
| 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 |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#291816 |
|---|---|
| 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
Mass varies: 3.54–3.82 g;Example of this type:
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin featuring Tacitus (AEQVITAS AVG; Aequitas) is that it was issued during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The coin was minted in 275-276 AD, a period known as the "Crisis of the Third Century," which saw a series of civil wars, corruption, and foreign invasions that threatened the empire's stability. Despite these challenges, the coin's design highlights the value of "Aequitas" or equality, suggesting that the Roman Empire was still committed to upholding justice and fairness, even in the face of adversity.
