Antoninianus - Tacitus FIDES MILIT; Fides
| 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#291721 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding sceptre in right hand and transverse ensign in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
FIDES MILIT
-/-//XXIϵ
Translation:
Fides Militum.
Loyalty of the soldiers.
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 Antoninianus was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, which had been debased over time. The coin was named after Tacitus' cognomen, Antoninus, and it was intended to symbolize the renewal and strengthening of the Roman Empire under his rule. The coin's design featured the image of Tacitus on one side and the goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the other, with the inscription "FIDES MILIT" (Military Fidelity) to emphasize the importance of loyalty and discipline in the Roman military. Despite its introduction during a time of economic and political instability, the Antoninianus coin remained in circulation for over a century and became a popular collector's item among numismatists today.
