Antoninianus - Carus AEQVITAS AVGG or AEQVITAS AV•GG, Aequitas

Historical Context: This Antoninianus, struck 282-283 AD, reflects Emperor Carus's brief reign during the tumultuous Crisis of the Third Century. Ascending after Probus's assassination, Carus swiftly appointed his sons Carinus and Numerian as Caesars. The "AEQVITAS AVGG" legend, "Equity of the Augusti," projected stability and fairness, likely hinting at economic reforms amidst monetary instability. His reign concluded abruptly during a successful Persian campaign.

Artistry: Anonymous engravers, likely from Ticinum, adhered to the late Imperial Roman stylistic school. This style features a severe, veristic imperial portrait, often frontal, reflecting the era's military character. The obverse depicts Carus with a radiate crown. The reverse design of Aequitas, personification of equity, is rendered standing, holding a balance and a cornucopia. This iconography, while classical, is executed with abstract forms characteristic of the period.

Technical/Grading: This Antoninianus, weighing 4.3 grams and 22.5 millimeters, exemplifies late third-century coinage. Nominally "silver," these coins were heavily debased, often argentiferous bronze with a thin silver wash. High-points for wear on the obverse include the radiate crown, nose, and drapery. On the reverse, the scales, cornucopia, and Aequitas's head are most susceptible to attrition. Strike quality varies, with off-centering, flat spots, and irregular flans common.