© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Antoninianus - Gallienus MERCVRIO CONS AVG
| Silver | 3.3 g | 21 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 | 3.3 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#288773 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Hippocamp, right. Officina mark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MERCVRIO CONS AVG
H
Translation:
Mercurio Conservatori Augusti.
To Mercury, the protector of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Example of this type:Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
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 an image of Gallienus on one side and the god Mercury on the other, which was a common motif during his reign. The use of Mercury's image on coins was meant to symbolize the empire's prosperity and commercial activities. The coin's silver content and weight of 3.3 grams also reflect the value placed on precious metals during this time period. Overall, the Antoninianus coin is a fascinating piece of history that provides insight into the economic and political climate of the Roman Empire during Gallienus' reign.
