Rarer antoninianus of Emperor Tacitus (AD 275–276), struck at an uncertain mint, belonging to issues produced during the short and transitional period of his reign following the death of Aurelian. The coinage of Tacitus reflects efforts to stabilize the Empire after years of crisis and to emphasize renewal and prosperity under the new rule.
The obverse features a radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG, giving his full titulature as Marcus Claudius Tacitus Augustus.
The reverse depicts Felicitas standing left, holding a caduceus and cornucopia, with the legend TEMPORVM FELICITAS and the field marks Δ and ✱. Felicitas, as the personification of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune, was a central motif of imperial propaganda, referring to the restoration and stability of the state.
The legend TEMPORVM FELICITAS (“the happiness of the times”) forms part of the ideological program of Tacitus’ reign, emphasizing the arrival of a more favorable period after years of unrest. In the context of his brief rule, this message carried particular propagandistic importance, presenting his government as the beginning of a new, more stable era in the history of the Empire.
Roman Imperial
Tacticus (235-238), Antoninianus 275-276, uncertain mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP C M CL TACITVS AVG
Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae, Δ-✱ across fields
TEMPORVM FELICITAS
Diameter 22 mm, weight 4.39 g
