Aureus - Tacitus VIRTVS AVG
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Tacitus (Marcus Claudius Tacitus) (275-276) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 275-276 |
| 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#291716 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin bearing the image of Emperor Tacitus (VIRTVS AVG) was minted during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The coin's gold content was worth 25 silver denarii, making it a valuable and highly sought-after currency. Interestingly, the coin's obverse side features an image of Tacitus wearing a radiate crown, which symbolized his divine right to rule, while the reverse side depicts the goddess Victory holding a wreath and a palm branch, signifying the empire's military victories and the emperor's role as a triumphant leader. Despite its value and symbolism, the Aureus coin was not widely used in everyday transactions due to its high denomination, and it was primarily used for ceremonial purposes or as a store of value.