Aureus - Carinus VIRTVS AVGG; Hercules
| Gold | 6 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Carinus (Marcus Aurelius Carinus) (283-285) Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) (283-284) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 283-285 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 6 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#298260 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club, sometimes with lion's skin, on rock.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVGG
Translation:
Virtus Augustorum.
Courage of the emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Mass varies: 5.96–6.05 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus - Carinus coin features an image of Hercules on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the 3rd century AD. This was because Hercules was seen as a symbol of strength and power, and the Roman emperors wanted to associate themselves with these qualities. In fact, the Roman emperor Carinus, who ruled from 283 to 285 AD, was known for his military campaigns and was often depicted as Hercules on coins to emphasize his military prowess.
