Antoninianus - Tacitus (VIRTVS AVG) (275-276) front Antoninianus - Tacitus (VIRTVS AVG) (275-276) back
Antoninianus - Tacitus (VIRTVS AVG) (275-276) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

Antoninianus - Tacitus VIRTVS AVG

 
Silver 3.8 g 23 mm
Description
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
3.8 g
Diameter
23 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#291704
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VIRTVS AVG

Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.

Comment

Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Antoninianus coin was introduced during the reign of Emperor Tacitus (275-276 AD) as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman silver coin for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, with a weight of 3.8 grams. Despite its introduction during a time of economic turmoil, the Antoninianus coin remained in circulation for over a century and became a staple of Roman commerce.