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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Carus 378

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carus 378. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carus. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Numerian, radiate, draped, right, with the legend IMP C M AVR NVMERIANVS NOB C.

The reverse shows numerian, draped, cuirassed, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter or Carus standing left, holding sceptre, with the legend VIRTVS AVGGG.

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 Carus served as Roman emperor from 282 to 283. During his brief reign, he campaigned successfully against Germanic tribes and Sarmatians along the Danube frontier before fighting against the Sassanid Empire. Following his death in July or August 283, he was succeeded by his sons Carinus and Numerian, establishing a dynasty that brought stability to the empire. This silver coinage was struck at Antioch, Syria, under Carus's authority.

The antoninianus denomination was introduced under Caracalla in 215 AD and was valued at two denarii, distinguished by the radiate crown worn by the emperor. Although originally silver, the denomination suffered from progressive debasement across the third century, being reduced to minimal silver content as successive emperors required coin to pay soldiers and secure loyalty. This issue depicts Numerian with the obverse inscription "IMP C M AVR NVMERIANVS NOB C". The reverse carries the legend "VIRTVS AVGGG" alongside an image of Numerian holding a sceptre while receiving Victory on a globe from either Jupiter or Carus.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Antioch, Syria
Authority
Carus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Numerian, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Numerian, draped, cuirassed, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter or Carus standing left, holding sceptre
Obverse legend
IMP C M AVR NVMERIANVS NOB C
Reverse legend
VIRTVS AVGGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carus 378
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M AVR NVMERIANVS NOB C
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS AVGGG
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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