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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Carus 253

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carus 253. 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 CARINVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns, with the legend FIDES MILITVM.

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 was Roman emperor from 283 to 285, reigning initially alongside his younger brother Numerian following the death of their father, the Emperor Carus. Appointed Caesar in late 282 and elevated to Augustus in early 283, Carinus served as co-emperor of the western provinces of the Roman Empire.

Struck at Rome, this silver antoninianus belongs to a denomination thought to have been valued at two denarii, distinguished by the radiate bust of the emperor. By the late third century, Roman soldier emperors and usurpers routinely required coin to pay their troops and secure military loyalty. The reverse of this piece features Fides holding two ensigns alongside the legend "FIDES MILITVM", paired with the obverse imperial inscription "IMP CARINVS P F AVG".

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
Fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns
Obverse legend
IMP CARINVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
FIDES MILITVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carus 253
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CARINVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
FIDES MILITVM
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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