Carus, AE Antoninianus, Siscia Mint, 282 AD

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Description

Roman Imperial,  Carus, AE Antoninianus (bronze, 4g,  21.3mm), Siscia Mint, 282 AD
Obv: IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG; radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Carus right
Rev: VIRTVS AVGG; Carus, on the left, standing right, holding short scepter in his left hand, receiving Victory on globe from Carinus, on the right, standing left, holding long scepter in his left hand; A between, XXI in exergue
Ref: Cohen 116 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF Fine (encrusted earth covering dark brown patina)
Note: Carus, born Marcus Aurelius Carus, was a Roman emperor who ruled briefly from AD 282 to 283. His reign came during a turbulent period known as the Crisis of the Third Century, characterized by military upheaval, short reigns of emperors, and external threats to the empire. Carus was a seasoned military commander before becoming emperor and quickly set about securing the empire’s borders. He is notable for his successful campaigns against the Sassanid Empire, during which he advanced into their territory, achieving significant victories. Unfortunately, his reign was cut short by his sudden and mysterious death, which some sources attribute to a lightning strike. The obverse features a radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Carus facing right. The radiate crown symbolizes the emperor’s association with the sun god Sol, emphasizing his divine favor. The drapery and cuirass reflect his role as a military commander and protector of the empire. The reverse shows Carus on the left, standing right, holding a short scepter in his left hand. He receives Victory on a globe from Carinus, who stands on the right, facing left, holding a long scepter in his left hand. The depiction of Victory symbolizes triumph and the successful campaigns that Carus and Carinus were engaged in at the time. Carus’s decision to associate his sons, Carinus and Numerian, with his reign as co-emperors (hence the plural “AVGG” in the reverse inscription) was a strategic move to establish a dynastic succession and stabilize the empire during this turbulent period.

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