Aureus - Numerianus as Caesar VIRTVS AVGGG; Hercules
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Caesar | Numerian (Marcus Aurelius Numerius Numerianus) (282-283) |
| Emperor | Carus (Marcus Aurelius Carus) (282-283) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 282-283 |
| 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 |
| Numista | N#296442 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS AVGGG
-/-//SMA
Translation:
Virtus Trium Augustorum.
Courage of the three emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin featuring Numerianus as Caesar is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire. Numerianus was a junior emperor who ruled alongside his father, Carus, and was known for his military campaigns against the Persians. Despite his military successes, Numerianus' reign was cut short when he was assassinated by his own soldiers in 283 AD. This coin, which features an image of Hercules on the reverse, may have been issued as a way to promote Numerianus' image as a strong and powerful leader, but it ultimately serves as a reminder of the instability and violence that characterized the late Roman Empire.