© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Caracalla VIRTVS AVGVSTOR; Virtus and Victory
| Silver | 3.1 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 206-210 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#273266 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, draped, seated left, holding Victory in extended right hand and parazonium in left hand; behind, shield.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVGVSTOR
Translation:
Virtus Augustorum.
Courage of the emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Mass varies: 2.773–3.531 g;Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Denarius - Caracalla coin is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Victory (Victoria) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the imperial period. The image of Victory was meant to symbolize the power and dominance of the Roman Empire, and it was often depicted holding a wreath or a palm branch, as seen on this coin. The use of Victory as a symbol of Roman power and authority can be traced back to the early days of the Roman Republic, and it continued to be used throughout the imperial period, becoming a hallmark of Roman coinage.
