RIC V Carus 416
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC V Carus 416. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carinus; Numerian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Numerian, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Numerian, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP NVMERIANVS AVG.
The reverse shows mercury, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand, with the legend PIETAS AVGG.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 16
- 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
Numerian was Roman emperor alongside his elder brother Carinus from 283 to 284, following the rule of their father, Carus. Carinus had been appointed Caesar in late 282, elevated to Augustus in early 283, and made co-emperor of the western part of the Roman Empire. Following their father's death, both brothers held imperial authority until Numerian died in November 284, with Carinus reigning until 285.
This antoninianus was produced at the Rome mint under their joint authority. First introduced under Caracalla in early 215 AD, the antoninianus was a coin thought to be valued at two denarii and distinguished by the emperor's radiate crown. Originally struck in silver, the denomination underwent severe debasement throughout the third century AD. The obverse depicts Numerian alongside the legend IMP NVMERIANVS AVG, while the reverse features Mercury holding a purse and caduceus with the inscription PIETAS AVGG.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Antoninianus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Carinus; Numerian
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Numerian, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Numerian, radiate, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Mercury, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP NVMERIANVS AVG
- Reverse legend
- PIETAS AVGG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC V Carus 416
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP NVMERIANVS AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- PIETAS 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
- RIC / OCREric.5.car.416
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.