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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Carus 238

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carus 238. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carinus; Numerian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Carinus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carinus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Carinus, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C M AVR CARINVS AVG.

The reverse shows aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend AEQVITAS AVGG.

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

Marcus Aurelius Carinus served as Roman emperor from 283 to 285. The eldest son of Emperor Carus, he was appointed Caesar in late 282 and elevated to Augustus in early 283, ruling the western part of the Roman Empire. Following Carus's death, Carinus governed alongside his younger brother Numerian, who ruled as Roman emperor from 283 until November 284.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Carinus and Numerian, this coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced under Caracalla in 215 AD and thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown on the obverse bust served as the visual indicator of this double denomination. The reverse carries the legend AEQVITAS AVGG and depicts Aequitas holding scales and a cornucopiae.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Carinus; Numerian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Carinus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carinus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Carinus, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C M AVR CARINVS AVG
Reverse legend
AEQVITAS AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carus 238
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M AVR CARINVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
AEQVITAS AVGG
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 V Carus 212

    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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