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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Tacitus 93

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Tacitus 93. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Tacitus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Tacitus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right or bust of Tacitus, radiate, cuirassed, right or head of Tacitus, radiate, right, with the legend IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG.

The reverse shows salus, draped, standing left, feeding serpent rising from altar, with the legend SALVS AVG.

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

This coin was issued under the authority of the Roman emperor Tacitus from the mint at Rome. It belongs to the imperial coinage of the Roman Empire, produced during an era in which successive rulers and usurpers required vast quantities of coin to pay their troops and secure their loyalty.

The denomination is an antoninianus, also called a pre-reform radiate, which had been introduced in early 215 AD under Caracalla. Believed to have originally been valued at two denarii, the denomination featured an emperor wearing a radiate crown to mark it as a double unit. Although initially struck in silver, the denomination suffered gradual debasement across the third century due to depleted bullion supplies and state expenditure. This issue bears the obverse inscription "IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG" alongside the radiate portrait of the ruler. The reverse depicts Salus feeding a serpent rising from an altar, accompanied by the legend "SALVS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Tacitus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Tacitus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right or bust of Tacitus, radiate, cuirassed, right or head of Tacitus, radiate, right
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, feeding serpent rising from altar
Obverse legend
IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Tacitus 93
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS AVG
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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