Antoninianus - Tacitus PROVIDENTIA DEORVM; Providentia
| 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#291788 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; at her feet, globe.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PROVIDENTIA DEORVM
-/-//S
Translation:
Providentia Deorum.
Providence of the gods.
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 an early example of a "fiat currency," where the value of the coin was determined by the government's decree, rather than its actual worth in precious metals. This concept of fiat currency would later become a standard practice in many countries throughout history.
