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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Caracalla 30a

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Caracalla 30a. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Caracalla; Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Caracalla, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS.

The reverse shows sol, radiate, naked except for cloak over left shoulder, standing front, head left, holding globe in extended right hand and spear in left hand, with the legend PONTIF TR P III.

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 and later named Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, was the elder son of Emperor Septimius Severus and Empress Julia Domna. Severus proclaimed Caracalla co-ruler in 198, beginning his tenure as nominal co-emperor alongside his father at Rome, before eventually ruling alone following Severus's death in 211.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse depicts the young co-emperor accompanied by the legend "ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS". The reverse displays Sol, radiate and naked except for a cloak over the left shoulder, holding a globe and spear, surrounded by the imperial titulature legend "PONTIF TR P III".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Caracalla; Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Caracalla, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Sol, radiate, naked except for cloak over left shoulder, standing front, head left, holding globe in extended right hand and spear in left hand
Obverse legend
ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend
PONTIF TR P III

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Caracalla 30a
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
ANTONINVS AVGVSTVS
Reverse legend to match
PONTIF TR P III
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 30b

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks 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.
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