Antoninianus - Volusianus PROVIDENT AVG; Providentia
| Silver | 4.2 g | 23 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Volusianus (Gaius Vibius Volusianus) (251-253) Trebonianus Gallus (Gaius Vibius Afinius Trebonianus Gallus) (251-253) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 251-253 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.2 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#284075 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand in right hand and sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PROVIDENT AVG
Translation:
Providentia Augusti.
Foresight of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus - Volusianus coin was issued during a time of great economic and political instability in the Roman Empire. The coin's design, which features the goddess Providentia on the reverse, was meant to convey the idea of the empire's providence and protection. Despite this, the coin's silver content was actually reduced during this period, which suggests that the empire was facing economic challenges and had to debase its currency to pay for its military campaigns and other expenses. This fact highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining a powerful empire like Rome, and how even seemingly minor details like coin design can reveal larger truths about a society's economic and political realities.