Rarer antoninianus of Emperor Tacitus (AD 275–276), struck at an uncertain mint, belonging to issues produced during the short period of his reign following the death of Aurelian. The coinage of this ruler reflects attempts to restore stability and rebuild confidence in the state after the prolonged crisis of the 3rd century.
The obverse features a radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP CL TACITVS AVG, giving his name and titulature as Augustus.
The reverse depicts Spes standing left, holding a flower and raising the hem of her robe, with the legend SPES PVBLICA and the mark CA in the exergue. Spes, as the personification of hope, was an important element of imperial propaganda, symbolizing expectations of a favorable future and the renewal of the state.
The legend SPES PVBLICA (“the public hope”) forms part of the ideological message of Tacitus’ reign, emphasizing hope for improvement in the Empire after a turbulent period. In the context of his brief rule, this motif carried particular propagandistic significance, presenting his government as a promise of better and more stable times ahead.
Roman Imperial
Tacticus (235-238), Antoninianus 276, uncertain mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP CL TACITVS AVG
Reverse: Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt, CA in exergue
SPES PVBLICA
Średnica 22 mm, waga 4.09 g
