Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 250-251 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.6 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC IV.3#91A, OCRE#ric.4.tr_d.91A |
| Obverse description | Head of Divus Marcus Aurelius, radiate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
DIVO MARCO (Translation: To divine Marcus [Aurelius].) |
| Reverse description | Eagle, with open wings, standing front on bar, head right. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
CONSECRATIO (Translation: Consecration.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (250-251) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1011514150 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Struck 250-251 AD, this Antoninianus honors Marcus Aurelius posthumously during Decius's reign, a period of intense Roman crisis. Decius sought to restore traditional values and legitimacy amidst widespread instability. The "CONSECRATIO" legend signifies Marcus Aurelius's deification, a deliberate act to invoke a revered past. This bolstered Decius's authority by associating him with the celebrated philosopher-emperor, reinforcing imperial continuity and divine favor.
Artistry: The coin's artistry reflects the mid-3rd century Roman imperial style. While engravers are anonymous, mint artisans produced dies showing a move towards stylized, less naturalistic portraiture. The obverse typically features a radiate, draped bust of Marcus Aurelius, often idealized to convey divine status. The reverse, indicated by "CONSECRATIO," commonly depicts an eagle, symbolizing the deified emperor's soul ascending to the heavens, or a lighted altar.
Technical/Grading: This silver Antoninianus, weighing approximately 3.6 grams and measuring 22 mm, aligns with typical specifications for the period, though silver purity diminished. Critical high-points for assessing strike and wear include the radiate crown, hair, and facial features on the obverse, and the eagle's head, wings, and talons on the reverse. Production during this turbulent era often yielded variable strike quality, exhibiting off-center strikes, incomplete legends, or areas of flatness from hurried minting and worn dies.