Antoninianus

The antoninianus was a silver coin minted in the Roman Empire between approximately 210 and 295 AD. It was introduced by Emperor Caracalla and initially intended to be a double denarius, meaning it was valued at twice the weight and silver content of the standard denarius. The name derives from Caracalla's full name, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

Visually, the antoninianus can be distinguished by the bust of the emperor on the obverse, which is often depicted wearing a radiate crown, symbolizing his imperial power. This radiate crown is a key feature that differentiates it from earlier denarii. The reverse of the coin typically featured various deities, personifications, or imperial figures, often with accompanying inscriptions that conveyed political or religious messages.

Over time, the silver content of the antoninianus significantly decreased. This debasement led to a decline in its value and reliability as a form of currency. The period of the antoninianus's circulation coincided with significant economic and political turmoil in the Roman Empire, known as the Crisis of the Third Century. By the late 3rd century, the antoninianus was gradually replaced by the so-called "argenteus" during the reforms of Emperor Diocletian, marking the end of the antoninianus's reign as a major Roman silver coin.