Antoninianus - Gallienus (ADVENTVS AVG) (260-268) front Antoninianus - Gallienus (ADVENTVS AVG) (260-268) back
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Antoninianus - Gallienus ADVENTVS AVG

 
Silver - -
Description
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
References
Numista
N#289275
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Gallienus, riding left, raising right hand and holding sceptre or spear in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: ADVENTVS AVG

Translation:
Adventus Augusti.
Adventus (Roman welcoming ceremony) of the emperor.

Comment

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Antoninianus, also known as the Gallienus, was a coin introduced by the Roman Emperor Gallienus in 260 AD, during a time of economic crisis and military conflict. It was made of silver, but its purity was lower than that of previous Roman silver coins, which had been 95% pure. The Antoninianus was only about 50% pure silver, with the rest being made up of base metals like copper and bronze. Despite its lower purity, the coin was still widely accepted and used throughout the Roman Empire. This fact is interesting because it highlights the challenges faced by the Roman Empire during this time period. The empire was facing economic strain and military threats, and the introduction of a new coin with lower silver content reflects the difficulties in maintaining the standard of living and economic stability. Additionally, the fact that the coin was still widely accepted despite its lower purity speaks to the resilience and adaptability of the Roman people during this time.