Carus Antoninianus — RIC V Carus 149

Obverse

Reverse

CNG, CC-BY-SA-2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC V Carus 149

Ruler

Carus

Denomination

Antoninianus

Date

282 AD-283 AD

Mint

Lugdunum

Metal

Silver

Portrait Type

radiate

Obverse

CARINVS NOBIL CAES

Bust of Carinus, radiate, cuirassed, right, sometimes holding spear, or bust of Carinus, radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding eagle-tipped scetpre in right hand, or bust of Carinus, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand

Reverse

MARS VICTOR

Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand

About This Type

This RIC V Carus 149 is an antoninianus of Carus (282 AD-283 AD), struck at the Lugdunum mint. The reverse depicts Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.

About the Antoninianus

The antoninianus (also called the radiate or double-denarius) was introduced by Caracalla in 215 AD. Identified by the radiate crown on the emperor's portrait, it was nominally worth two denarii. The denomination underwent severe debasement during the third-century crisis, becoming essentially bronze by the 260s.

About the Lugdunum Mint

Lugdunum (modern Lyon, France) was the main western imperial mint from Augustus through the early second century. It was the sole mint for precious metal coinage for extended periods under Augustus and Tiberius.

All Carus coins Lugdunum mint All Antoninianus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC V Carus 149?: RIC V Carus 149 is a Silver Antoninianus of Carus (282 AD-283 AD) struck at the Lugdunum mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC V Carus 149.
How do you identify RIC V Carus 149?: The obverse depicts Bust of Carinus, radiate, cuirassed, right, sometimes holding spear, or bust of Carinus, radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding eagle-tipped scetpre in right hand, or bust of Carinus, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand with the inscription CARINVS NOBIL CAES. The reverse depicts Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand with the inscription MARS VICTOR. Portrait type: radiate.