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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Carus 233

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carus 233. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Carinus; Numerian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Carinus, laureate, draped, right, or bust of Carinus, laureate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CARINVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock, with the legend VIRTVS AVG.

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

Carinus ruled as Roman emperor from 283 until 285 alongside his younger brother Numerian, who reigned until November 284. The sons of Emperor Carus, Carinus had been appointed Caesar in late 282 before receiving the title of Augustus in early 283. He was established by his father as co-emperor over the western portion of the Roman Empire.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Carinus and Numerian, this gold coin represents the aureus denomination. Initially standardised under the Roman Empire at an exchange value of twenty-five silver denarii or one hundred sestertii, the aureus matched the denarius in size while possessing greater weight due to the density of gold. This piece bears the obverse inscription "IMP CARINVS P F AVG" and the reverse inscription "VIRTVS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Carinus; Numerian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Carinus, laureate, draped, right, or bust of Carinus, laureate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock
Obverse legend
IMP CARINVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carus 233
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP CARINVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS AVG
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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