Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 199 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC IV.1#341a, OCRE#ric.4.crl.341a |
| Obverse description | Bust of Caracalla, laureate, draped, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
IMP CAE M AVR ANT AVG P TR P II (Translation: Imperator, Caesar, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, Pontifex [Maximus], Tribunicia Potestate Secunda. Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus emperor (Augustus), [high] priest, holder of tribunician power for the second time.) |
| Reverse description | Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower upright in extended right hand and raising skirt with left hand. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
SPES PVBLICA (Translation: Spes Publica. Hope of the public.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (199) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1007478880 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This denarius, issued in 199 AD, places us in the early Severan dynasty, a period of consolidation and dynastic ambition. The coin features Caracalla, elevated to co-Augustus alongside his father Septimius Severus in 198 AD, solidifying his position as heir. The reverse legend, SPES PVBLICA (Hope of the Public), directly references this crucial role, emphasizing Caracalla as the future and continued stability of the Roman Empire. This strategic message reinforced the legitimacy and longevity of the newly established Severan line.
Artistry: Anonymous engravers of the Roman mints during the Severan period adhered to a stylistic school blending classical ideals with emerging realism. The obverse typically presents a youthful yet serious bust of Caracalla, often laureate, draped, and cuirassed, capturing his nascent authority. The reverse design features Spes, the personification of Hope, standing, holding a flower, and lifting her garment. This traditional iconography was widely understood, reinforcing the dynastic message of future prosperity and imperial continuity associated with the young co-emperor.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, key high-points on the obverse include Caracalla's laureate wreath details, hair over his forehead, and drapery folds. On the reverse, Spes's facial features, the flower she holds, and distinct drapery folds, particularly where she lifts her skirt, are crucial. A strong strike ensures clarity in these areas. The coin’s weight of 3.7 grams aligns with the expected standard for a Severan denarius of this period, though minor flan imperfections or off-centering are common.