Quinarius - Caracalla P M TR P XV COS III P P; Hercules
212 year| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla) (198-217) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 212 |
| Value | Silver Quinarius = ½ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#273292 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, naked except for lion-skin draped over left arm, standing left, holding branch in right hand and club in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P XV COS III P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quinta Decima, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the 15th time, consul for the third time, father of the nation.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Quinarius coin featuring Caracalla and Hercules was minted during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The coin's design, which depicts Hercules on the reverse side, was meant to symbolize the emperor's strength and power, as well as his association with the mythical hero. However, the coin's minting process was not without controversy, as it was produced using a debased silver standard that had been introduced by Caracalla's predecessor, Septimius Severus. This meant that the coin's silver content was lower than previous issues, leading to concerns about inflation and the devaluation of the Roman currency. Despite these issues, the Quinarius coin remains a popular collector's item and a fascinating piece of Roman history.