© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gallienus AETERNITAS AVG; Sol
| Silver | 2.8 g | 20 mm |
| 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 |
| Weight | 2.8 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#288601 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, nude except for cloak draped over shoulders, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand. Officina mark in right field.
Scripts: Latin, Greek
Lettering:
AETERNITAS AVG
Γ
Translation:
Aeternitas Augusti.
Eternity of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 1.39–5.25 g;Diameter varies: 17–24 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Gallienus, who was the Roman Emperor from 260 to 268 AD. During his reign, the Roman Empire was facing numerous challenges, including invasions by barbarian tribes and internal conflicts. Despite these challenges, Gallienus was able to maintain the empire's stability and issue coins like the Antoninianus, which were used for trade and commerce throughout the empire. The coin's design features the image of Sol, the Roman god of the sun, on the obverse (front side), and the legend "AETERNITAS AVG" on the reverse (back side). The use of Sol's image on the coin was a common feature of Roman coins during this period, as the sun was seen as a symbol of the empire's power and prosperity. The legend "AETERNITAS AVG" means "Eternity of the Emperor," which highlights the idea that the emperor's rule was divinely ordained and would last forever. Overall, the Antoninianus coin is an interesting example of Roman coinage during a time of significant change and upheaval in the empire's history.
