Antoninianus - Gallienus Mercury
| 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#289485 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mercury, nude except for cloak draped over left arm, standing left, holding purse in right hand and caduceus in left hand.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus, also known as the "Gallienus," was a coin minted during the reign of Emperor Gallienus (260-268 AD) and was used throughout the Roman Empire. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of silver, which was a significant departure from the previous bronze coins that had been used for centuries. This change in material was likely due to the devaluation of the Roman currency at the time, and the need for a more valuable and durable material to support the empire's economy. The use of silver in the Antoninianus coinage marked a turning point in Roman currency and paved the way for the development of future coinage systems.