Antoninianus - Tacitus LAETITIA AVG; Laetitia
| 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#291779 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and anchor on globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
LAETITIA AVG
-/-//VI
Translation:
Laetitia Augusti.
Joy of the emperor (Augustus).
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, during a time of economic crisis and inflation. The coin was made of silver, but its value was intentionally set lower than its actual metal value, in order to increase the circulation of currency and stimulate trade. This coin was also known as the "Laetitia" coin, due to the image of the goddess Laetitia (representing happiness and prosperity) featured on its reverse side. Despite its lower value, the Antoninianus coin remained in circulation for over a century, until the fall of the Roman Empire.
