Pupienus, AD 238. AR Antoninianus minted at Rome c. April-June AD 238. Radiate, cuirassed and draped bust right of Pupienus. Reverse: Clasped hands. RIC 10; C. 3. NGC graded AU: Strike 5/5; Surface 2/5, scratches. Instituted under Caracalla (AD 198-217), this denomination weighed 1 1/2 times that of the denarius. It was quickly debased and became a silver-washed AE by the mid third century. Although called a "double denarius" by a few collectors, it is the identical denomination most term an "antoninianus," after Caracalla's official name, M. Aurelius Antoninus. It is interesting to remember that telemarketers used the double-denarius term starting over 30 years ago in order to misrepresent the size and weight of these coins. Estimated Value $250 - 300. Categories:
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