Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Caracalla 251

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Caracalla 251. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Caracalla. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Caracalla, laureate, right, with the legend ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM.

The reverse shows asclepius, nude to waist, standing left, holding serpent-wreathed wand; to right, on ground, globe, with the legend P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
14
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 and later named Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 198 to 217 AD. Initially co-emperor with his father Septimius Severus and briefly with his brother Geta, he ruled alone from 211 AD following Geta's murder. A member of the Severan dynasty, Caracalla's sole reign was marked by domestic instability, external Germanic invasions, and the administration of the empire with his mother Julia Domna.

This silver denarius was struck at the Rome mint. The denarius served as the standard Roman silver coin from c. 211 BC until the reign of Gordian III, although Caracalla also introduced a new denomination termed the antoninianus. The obverse carries the legend "ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM", while the reverse bears the imperial titulature "P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P" alongside a depiction of Asclepius holding a serpent-wreathed wand beside a globe.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Caracalla

Design

Obverse
Head of Caracalla, laureate, right
Reverse
Asclepius, nude to waist, standing left, holding serpent-wreathed wand; to right, on ground, globe
Obverse legend
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
Reverse legend
P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Caracalla 251
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P
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

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