Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Caracalla 80B (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Caracalla 80B (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Caracalla; Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Caracalla, laureate, draped, right, with the legend ANTONINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak on left shoulder, standing left, right foot set on helmet, holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand, with the legend PONTIF TR P VIII COS II.

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

This silver denarius was struck at Rome under the imperial authority of Septimius Severus and his elder son Caracalla. Severus had founded the Severan dynasty and proclaimed Caracalla co-emperor in 198, with both rulers holding authority during this joint period before Severus died in 211.

The denarius served as the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction around 211 BC until its gradual replacement by the antoninianus during the reign of Gordian III. The obverse depicts the bust of Caracalla alongside the legend "ANTONINVS PIVS AVG", reflecting his adopted imperial name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus. The reverse portrays Mars, helmeted and holding a branch and spear with his foot set upon a helmet, accompanied by the inscription "PONTIF TR P VIII COS II".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Caracalla; Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Caracalla, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak on left shoulder, standing left, right foot set on helmet, holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand
Obverse legend
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
PONTIF TR P VIII COS II

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Caracalla 80B (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
ANTONINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
PONTIF TR P VIII COS II
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