The denarius was the principle silver coin for the Roman Empire from 211 BC. It became a victim of inflation as the coin was debased over time, starting with the reign of Nero. Caracalla introduced the antoninianus which was valued at two denarii. Inflation continued, and during reign of Gordian III, the antoninianus became the dominate silver coin. The Gordian III antonininus is a very common coin. I had one when I was in high school, and finding them now is easy. Antoninianus of Gordian III, Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, “Emperor Gordian III dutiful, patriotic, happy augustus” Reverse: FELICITAS TEMPORVM “Happy time.” Felicitas personification of happiness and prosperity Sear 8608 The Gordian III denarius is scarcer. I saw one pop up in an auction and decided to bid on it. It was not very expensive, and for once, I didn't run into another bidder who "had to have it." Denarius of Gordian III, Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, “Emperor Gordian III dutiful, patriotic, happy augustus” Reverse: DIANA LUCIFERA “Diana, the bringer of light.” Diana Lucifera standing holding a flaming torch in both hands. Diana was the moon goddess who was sometimes show with a crescent moon over her head, arrows, hounds and a deer. She was sometimes shown with a flaming spear, as shown on this piece, as the bringer of light. Sear 8673, This piece was issued in celebration of the marriage of Gordian to Tranquillina. Rome 241-2 AD. Thumbing through the Sears books on Roman coins, it seems that this might be the last "cheap denarius." The coin was issued in small quantities until about 296. How can you tell the difference between a denarius and an antoninianus? The emperor wears a crown on the antoninianus. He doesn't on the denarius.
You should get an eastern mint Antoninianus, which is the second coin in my post. Those are scarce too. Gordian III (238 - 244 A.D. AR Antoninianus O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; radiate draped bust right. R: SECVRIT PERP; Securitas standing left with scepter, leaning on column. Rome Mint 25mm 6.2g RIC IV Rome 151 Very Heavy! Gordian III (238 - 244 A.D) AR Antoninianus O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right. R: ORIENS AVG, Sol standing left, raising right arm and holding globe in left hand. Antioch Mint 5.43g 22mm RIC IV, Part III, 213 Gordian III (238 - 244 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. R: SECVRITAS PVBLICA Securitas seated left on throne, holding scepter and resting head upon hand. Rome, 240 A.D. 3.81g 18mm RIC IV 130; RSC 340 Heavy for type.
Gordian's denarii are about 20% of the total silver for his reign so not that scarce. Average weight for the denarius is 3g, and 4.15g for the ants. Rasiel
Here's my latest denarius issued under Aurelian after his reforms, I think this would be the cheapest late denarius you could get, mines only $8. Although, emperors till Diocletian issued them, they are extremely rare and expensive.
I think you mean the denarius after Gordian III was issued in small quantities until 296 AD. I recall going to the British Museum last year and seeing quite a few late issue denarii. Some of them are not super-rare & some are. Nice acquisition on the Gordian III denarius. Also decent condition. Not a hoard coin at all unlike the denarii of the 2nd century. I do have one late-issue denarius which appears to be totally bronze. This is Claudius-II, 268 - 270 AD.
I have obtained a couple of items relevant to this thread over the years. Denarii of Aurelian and Severina do turn up very regularly and are relatively inexpensive. They are harder to obtain in good grade and there are some scarcer variations too... Aurelian, denarius Obv:– IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG, Laureate, cuirassed bust right Rev:– VICTORIA AVG, Victory walking left, holding wreath and palm. Minted in Rome, (B _ //VSV). Allocated by Estiot to Emission 10 dating to end A.D. 274. Reference:– Paris-185, Gobl-135f2 (9 spec.), RIC-71, C-250 (Elberling, 6 Fr.). Virtually fully silvered , a good strike, well centred and not showing much evidence of wear. Severina, denarius Obv:– SEVERINA AVG, Diademed and draped bust right Rev:– VENVS FELIX, Venus standing left, holding Cupid and scepter Minted in Rome (_ | G / VSV). Emission 10. end A.D. 274 Reference:– La Venera 1103-1104. Estiot 187. RIC 6 Weight 2.72g. 18.97mm The following coin of Diocletian is occasionally referred to as a denarius but is also referred to as a quinarius and an Ae fraction.... It is in poor condition but I bought it as I was curious to handle one. Diocletian - AE Fraction Obv:- DIOCLETI-ANVS AVG, laureate head right Rev:- VTILITAS PVBLICA, Utilitas standing facing, head left, hands in drapery. Minted in Rome (T in exergue). A.D. 294 - 295 Reference:- RIC VI Rome 48 (Rated R2). 1.43 gms. 16.68 mm
A denarius of Probus of mine. AE-Denarius (18mm, 1.71g, 12h). Siscia, 281. IMP PROBVS P F AVG, Laureate and cuirassed bust to right. VICTORIA GERM (-/-//-), Victory advancing left, holding wreath and trophy, between two captives. RIC 256 var.
What about those quarter follis coins from the early 300s? I know those aren’t considered late bronze denari but why? They seem to be about the same size and metallic makeup as these late 3rd century coins. Anyone have information or care to explain?
Very nice OP antoninianus, of great style. The Diana Lucifera denarius is one of my favorite type of his. Here are some Gordy III denarii of mine, followed by my latest, a denarius minted for Severina (with a very Aurelianesque portrait to it) Q
