© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Tacitus PAX PVBLICA; Pax
| Silver | 3.5 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 | 3.5 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#291680 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PAX PVBLICA
Translation:
Pax Publica.
Peace of the public.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.27–4.13 g;Diameter varies: 20.85–22.67 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Tacitus in 275 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 "Pax" coin, as it featured an image of the goddess Pax (Peace) on its reverse side, symbolizing the Emperor's efforts to bring peace and stability to the empire. Despite its low value, the Antoninianus coin remained in circulation for over a century, until the fall of the Roman Empire in 395 AD.
