Aureus - Numerian (PIETAS AVGG; Mercury) (283-284) front Aureus - Numerian (PIETAS AVGG; Mercury) (283-284) back
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Aureus - Numerian PIETAS AVGG; Mercury

 
Gold - -
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) (283-284) Carinus (Marcus Aurelius Carinus) (283-285)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
283-284
Value
Aureus (25⁄2)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Gold
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#298450
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mercury, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: PIETAS AVGG

Translation:
Pietas Duorum Augustorum.
Piety of the two emperors (Augusti).

Comment

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Aureus - Numerian (PIETAS AVGG; Mercury) coin is that it features the Roman god Mercury on its reverse side, which was a departure from the traditional depiction of the Roman emperors on the coinage. This was a deliberate choice made by the emperor Numerian, who was known for his interest in Greek culture and wanted to promote the cult of Mercury in Rome. The inclusion of Mercury on the coinage was seen as a way to emphasize the emperor's connection to the gods and to promote the idea of Roman prosperity and good fortune.