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RIC IV Caracalla 388A (antoninianus)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Caracalla 388A (antoninianus). Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Caracalla. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Julia Domna, hair elaborately waved in ridges and turned up low at the back, diademed, draped, on crescent, right, with the legend IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG.

The reverse shows venus, draped, seated left, extending right hand and holding sceptre in left hand, with the legend VENVS GENETRIX.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 was Roman emperor from 198 to 217 AD, ruling alone after 211 AD following the death of his father Septimius Severus and the murder of his brother Geta. His mother, Empress Julia Domna, held a significant share in governance because Caracalla considered administration to be mundane. Among the major actions of his reign was the introduction of a new currency, the antoninianus, in early 215 AD.

Struck at Rome, this silver antoninianus was introduced as a double denomination valued at two denarii, though containing silver equal to only 1.5 denarii. When portraying imperial women, antoniniani depicted the bust resting upon a crescent moon, as seen here beneath Julia Domna, who is accompanied by the legend "IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG". The reverse depicts Venus seated with a sceptre alongside the legend "VENVS GENETRIX".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Caracalla

Design

Obverse
Bust of Julia Domna, hair elaborately waved in ridges and turned up low at the back, diademed, draped, on crescent, right
Reverse
Venus, draped, seated left, extending right hand and holding sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG
Reverse legend
VENVS GENETRIX

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Caracalla 388A (antoninianus)
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG
Reverse legend to match
VENVS GENETRIX
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.
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