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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Caracalla 5 (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Caracalla 5 (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Caracalla; Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Caracalla, bare-headed, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend M AVR ANTONINVS CAES.

The reverse shows spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower upright in extended right hand and raising skirt with left hand, with the legend SPEI PERPETVAE.

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

Septimius Severus ruled as Roman emperor from 193 to 211, founding the Severan dynasty after seizing power during the Year of the Five Emperors. His elder son, born Lucius Septimius Bassianus and later known as Caracalla, was elevated by Severus to the rank of co-ruler in 198 under the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

This silver denarius was struck at the Rome mint. The obverse presents the young Caracalla bare-headed with the title "M AVR ANTONINVS CAES". The reverse portrays Spes, draped and advancing left with a flower and raising her skirt, accompanied by the inscription "SPEI PERPETVAE".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Caracalla; Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Caracalla, bare-headed, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower upright in extended right hand and raising skirt with left hand
Obverse legend
M AVR ANTONINVS CAES
Reverse legend
SPEI PERPETVAE

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Caracalla 5 (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
M AVR ANTONINVS CAES
Reverse legend to match
SPEI PERPETVAE
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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