© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gallienus FIDES AVG; Mercury
| Silver | 3.7 g | 20.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 267-268 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#289394 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Mercury, nude except for cloak draped over left arm, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand. Officina mark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
FIDES AVG
PXV
Translation:
Fides Augusti.
Loyalty of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 3.25–4.18 g;Diameter varies: 19.75–21.25 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin featuring Gallienus (FIDES AVG; Mercury) is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil and change in the Roman Empire. Gallienus was a military leader who became emperor after the assassination of his father, Valerian, in 260 AD. He ruled during a period of civil war and external threats, including invasions by Germanic tribes and the Plague of Cyprian, which devastated the empire. Despite these challenges, Gallienus managed to maintain stability and secure several military victories, earning him the title of "Restorer of the World" on the coin's reverse. The coin's design, featuring Mercury on the obverse and Fides (Faith) on the reverse, symbolizes the importance of trust and loyalty during this tumultuous period in Roman history.
