antoniniani
Quick Summary
The antoninianus was an ancient Roman coin introduced by Emperor Caracalla around AD 214. It was originally intended to be worth two denarii, a silver coin that had been the standard Roman currency for centuries.12
The antoninianus was a silver coin, but its silver content was progressively reduced over time, leading to debasement. This debasement is a clear indicator of financial distress within the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD. The decline in the quality of coinage, including the antoninianus, contributed to economic problems and the eventual collapse of the empire.34
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