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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Tacitus 29

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Tacitus 29. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Tacitus. Mint: Uncertain value. The obverse shows bust of Tacitus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C M CL TACITVS P F AVG. The reverse shows mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand, with the legend MARS VICTOR.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC V Tacitus 30.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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

This antoninianus was produced within the Roman Empire under the imperial authority of Tacitus, whose name appears in the obverse inscription "IMP C M CL TACITVS P F AVG".

The antoninianus was an imperial denomination introduced in early 215 AD by Caracalla, thought to have been valued at two denarii. Characterised by the depiction of the emperor wearing a radiate crown to indicate a double denomination, it was originally silver but underwent progressive debasement to bronze with minimal silver content as supplies of bullion fell short and military expenditure mounted. The reverse of this issue depicts Mars advancing with a spear and trophy, accompanied by the legend "MARS VICTOR".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Uncertain value
Authority
Tacitus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Tacitus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C M CL TACITVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
MARS VICTOR

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Tacitus 29
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M CL TACITVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
MARS VICTOR
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 Tacitus 30

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina 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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