How to read inscriptions on Roman coins

Almost all Roman coins show a portrait of the emperor and a selection of his names and titles. The following example demonstrates this and shows how inscriptions can be used to date coins.

Obverse

M(arcus Aurelius) ANTONINVS
The Emperor's name often included the names of some of the previous emperors. Marcus Aurelius (AD 161-180) sometimes used the name of his father (Antoninus Pius, AD 138-161) as well as his own.

AVG(ustus)
Most emperors also took the name of the first emperor Augustus. Gradually it came to mean senior emperor.

ARM(eniacus)
The Emperor's religious, political, military and honorary titles are often included. The taking of the title Armeniacus marked Marcus Aurelius' successful campaigns in Armenia (AD 163-165).

PARTH(icus) MAX(imus)
The title Parthicus Maximus ('Greatest Parthia') likewise celebrated his victories in the East.

Reverse

TR(ibunicia) P(otestas) XXI
In Republican times Tribunes were magistrates whose duty was to protect the Roman people. During the Roman Empire the Tribune's powers were taken by the emperors and renewed each year. In this case we can see that they were taken for the 21 st (XXI) time. Because we know that Marcus first took the power during the reign of his father in AD 146-147, we can date the coin to AD 166-167.

IMP(erator) IIII
In Republican times successful generals were hailed Imperator by their soldiers. Its meaning is leader' or commander'. During the Roman Empire this honour was reserved for the emperor, and is in fact the source of the English word emperor'. The title was periodically renewed and can also be used to date coins. Marcus became Imperator for the 4 th (IIII) time in AD 166 and for the 5 th time in AD 168.

CO(n)S(ul) III
The Consuls (there were two each year) were the most senior magistrates in Republican times. The office was often taken by the emperor and members of his family and periodically renewed. Marcus was consul for the 3rd (III) time from AD 161 to AD 180.

VIC(toria) PAR(thica)
Occasionally further inscriptions spill over into the main design of the coin. Here Victory holds a shield inscribed VIC PAR, another reference to the emperor's victories against the Parthians in the East.