© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Balbinus P M TR P COS II P P
238 year| Silver | 3 g | 20.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Balbinus (Decimus Caelius Calvinus Balbinus) (238) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 238 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280616 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Balbinus, togate, standing left, holding branch in extended right hand and parazonium in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P COS II P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.61–3.45 g;Diameter varies: 19.25–21.79 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius - Balbinus coin, issued during the reign of Roman Emperor Balbinus in 238 AD, features an interesting fact. Despite being made of silver, the coin weighs only 3 grams, which is significantly lighter than other silver coins of the time. This is likely due to a decrease in the purity of the silver content, which was a common practice during the Roman Empire to increase the minting of coins without increasing the amount of precious metal used. This fact highlights the economic and monetary policies of the Roman Empire during this period.
