Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Caracalla 13A (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Caracalla 13A (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Caracalla; Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Caracalla, bare-headed, draped, right, with the legend M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF. The reverse shows caracalla, in military attire, standing left, holding baton in right hand and spear in left hand; to right, trophy, with the legend PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC IV Caracalla 13B (denarius).

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Caracalla, born Lucius Septimius Bassianus, was the elder son of Emperor Septimius Severus and Empress Julia Domna of the Severan dynasty. Septimius Severus had seized power in 193 following the death of Pertinax during the Year of the Five Emperors, subsequently eliminating rivals Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus. In 198, Severus proclaimed Caracalla as co-ruler.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius represents the standard Roman silver coin used across the empire from circa 211 BC until its replacement by the antoninianus during the reign of Gordian III. The obverse presents a bare-headed bust of the young ruler accompanied by the legend "M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF". The reverse shows Caracalla standing in military attire with a baton, spear, and trophy, complemented by the legend "PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Caracalla; Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Caracalla, bare-headed, draped, right
Reverse
Caracalla, in military attire, standing left, holding baton in right hand and spear in left hand; to right, trophy
Obverse legend
M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF
Reverse legend
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Caracalla 13A (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
M AVR ANTON CAES PONTIF
Reverse legend to match
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC IV Caracalla 13B (denarius)

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference