logo_moneymuseum

Roman Empire, Denarius

back

Roman Empire, Denarius (obverse) Roman Empire, Denarius (reverse)

This denarius is an imitation of the coins of Emperor Caracalla (211-217 AD). The obverse features the garlanded imperial head, while the reverse depicts Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. However: Victoria is not shown as skinny Roman beauty on this coin, but according to "barbaric" taste, as a well-fed dancer. Coins like this one were issued during the Migration Period, when the Roman administration was not longer able to supply the empire with the coins needed for trade. In Gaul, Britannia and the Danube region, people then began to strike their own money.

back

Signet Sunflower Foundation