© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Caracalla P M TR P XX COS IIII P P; Serapis
217 year| Silver | 2.5 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 217 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273488 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Serapis, wearing polos on head, standing left, holding corn-ears in wreath (?) in right hand and sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XX COS IIII P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Vicesima, Consul Quartum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 20th time, consul for the fourth time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 1.7–3.162 g;Diameter varies: 18–19 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Serapis, a deity worshipped in the Roman Empire during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. Serapis was a syncretization of the Egyptian god Osiris and the Greek god Hades, and was often depicted with a modius, a grain measure, on his head, symbolizing his role as a god of fertility and agriculture. The inclusion of Serapis on this coin suggests that the Roman Empire was interested in promoting the cult of Serapis and integrating Egyptian religious practices into their own pantheon.
