Antoninianus — Numerian — Virtus AVGGG

Obverse: IMP CM AVR NVMERIANVS PF AVG, radiate bust right

Reverse: VIRTVS AVGGG ("the valor of the emperors"), Numerian standing right holding sceptre, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left holding sceptre, S in left field, XXI in right field

Mint Info: Antioch

Catalogues: RIC V-2 469

Mass: 3.90 g

Diameter: 20.5 mm

Note: Pleasant toning to the silver, potential for complete restoration

The reverse type VIRTVS AVGGG presents the emperor as a recipient of divine support and military virtue, showing Numerian receiving a globe surmounted by Victory from Jupiter. The scene emphasizes the partnership between the emperor and the gods, with Jupiter's authority conferring legitimacy and success upon the imperial rulers. The XXI marking in the right field refers to the coin's silver content standard introduced during the monetary reforms of Aurelian, while the mintmarks identify the issue as struck at Antioch.

Numerian ruled as Roman emperor from AD 283 to 284 alongside his brother Carinus after succeeding their father Carus, who died during a campaign against Persia. His short reign ended during the army's return from the eastern frontier, when his death led to the rise of Diocletian and the establishment of a new imperial system. The antoninianus remained the dominant denomination of the late third century, though by this period it was a bronze coin with a thin silver wash rather than a true silver denomination. Reverse legends celebrating VIRTVS were commonly used to associate the emperor with courage, military success, and the qualities expected of a Roman ruler.