Caracalla Silver Denarius

Country of Origin: Roman Empire (Rome Mint)

Year of Issue: AD 210-213

Denomination: Denarius

Composition: Silver (approximately 50-55% fineness)

Caracalla Silver Denarius

Brief Description

An ancient Roman silver coin featuring the laureate head of Emperor Caracalla and a personification of the goddess Liberalitas on the reverse.

Historical Significance

Caracalla was a member of the Severan dynasty known for his brutality and the Edict of Caracalla, which granted Roman citizenship to all free men in the empire. This coin dates from his sole reign after the murder of his brother Geta.

Estimated Value

$40-$80 in Very Fine (VF) condition, $150-$250 in Choice Extremely Fine (XF) to Mint State.

Care Instructions

Do not clean with harsh chemicals or abrasives. Store in PVC-free flips or acid-free paper envelopes to prevent 'PVC damage' or corrosion. Handle by the edges.

Mint Mark

None (Rome Mint characteristic)

Mintage & Rarity

Common for the series; millions were produced, though survivors vary in state.

Weight & Diameter

Standard: ~3.0 - 3.4 grams, 18-20 mm

Edge

Plain / Irregular (struck on a cast flan)

Apparent Grade

Extremely Fine (XF) - Sharp details in the hair and reverse figure, though the toning is quite dark/grey which may be an old collection patina or environmental darkening.

Obverse (Front)

Laureate head of Caracalla facing right. Legend reads: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT (Antoninivs Pivs Augustus Britannicus).

Reverse (Back)

Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus (counting board) and cornucopia. Legend reads: LIBERALITAS AVG VI (Liberalitas of the Emperor, 6th distribution).

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition, strike centering, metal quality (crystallization), and the clarity of the legends. Strong eye appeal and lack of 'horn silver' increases value.

Similar Coins

Often confused with Elagabalus or Marcus Aurelius (also named Antoninus). Caracalla is distinguished by his more aggressive, bearded features and specific titles like 'BRIT'.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Look for a casting seam on the edge or bubbly surfaces which indicate a fake. Authentic coins should show 'flow lines' from the impact of the die and have a metallic 'ring' when gently tapped.

Notable Varieties & Errors

Varieties exist based on the number of imperial liberalities (this one is the VI distribution) and specific titles like GERMANICVS added later in his reign.

Created At: 2026-05-04T11:58:28.815104