Antoninianus - Gallienus Bust draped right; PROVI AVG
| 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 |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#394093 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; at her feet, globe.
Officina letter in left or right field.
Lettering: PROVI AVG
Unabridged legend: Providentia Augustus.
Translation: Forethought 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 political instability. It was made of silver, but its value was not based on the metal's intrinsic worth, but rather on the authority and credit of the Roman state. This coin was used to pay soldiers and civil servants, and it remained in circulation for over a century, until the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD. Despite its long lifespan, the Antoninianus experienced significant inflation, with its value decreasing over time due to excessive minting and debasement of the currency. Today, the Antoninianus is a highly sought-after collector's item, with some rare specimens selling for thousands of dollars.