Antoninianus - Gallienus
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 260-268 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#289131 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, seated left, holding rudder in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Gallienus in 260 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman currency for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver, but its purity was only about 5% compared to the denarius, which was made of pure silver. Despite its lower purity, the Antoninianus was still widely accepted and used throughout the Roman Empire. It's interesting to note that the introduction of the Antoninianus coin was a significant change in Roman currency, as it marked a shift away from the traditional gold and silver coins that had been used for centuries. The use of a debased silver coin as the standard currency reflects the economic challenges faced by the Roman Empire during this period, including inflation, debasement, and a decline in trade. Despite these challenges, the Antoninianus remained a widely used currency throughout the Roman Empire until its eventual replacement by other coins in the 4th century AD.