© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Caracalla SPES PVBLICA; Laodicea ad Mare
198 year| Gold | 7.1 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) Septimius Severus (Lucius Septimius Severus) (193-211) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 198 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.1 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273580 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower upright in extended right hand and raising skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SPES PVBLICA
Unabridged legend: Spes Publica
Translation: Hope of the public
Comment
Example of this type:Trustees of the British Museum
Interesting fact
The Aureus - Caracalla coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, who ruled the Roman Empire from 211 to 217 AD. The coin's obverse side features an image of Caracalla's face, while the reverse side depicts the goddess Spes (Latin for "hope") standing left, holding a flower and a raised right hand. The coin's inscription, "SPES PVBLICA," translates to "public hope" or "hope of the people." This coin was likely used as a means of promoting Caracalla's image and reinforcing his authority as emperor.
