Roman Antoninianus Coins

Inv. No.: c151
Provenance: Arelate
Date: A.D. 284.
Weight: 3.02g
 
Obv.: Numerianus, radiate.
IMP.C.NVMERIANVS P.F.AVG.

Rev.: Jupiter standing, holding Victory and sceptre; at foot, eagle.
IOVI VICTORI
KAB

Numerianus was the son of M. Aurelius Carus. The two went to war against the Persians in December, 282 or January, 283. Carus made his son Augustus before they crossed the Persian frontier. The campaign was successful. Carus, however, was killed by lightning in late 283, and Numerianus, returning with his army to Europe, was found dead in his tent, whether from illness or foul play, near Heraclea in late 284. The triumphant reverse, therefore, is sadly ironic.

Comparanda:
RIC, Numerianus Augustus 284.