Antoninianus - Gallienus ORIENS AVG; Sol
| Silver | 2.6 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 | 2.6 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#288781 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, nude except for cloak draped around shoulders, walking or running left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ORIENS AVG
Translation:
Oriens Augusti.
The rising sun of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 2.34–2.91 g;Diameter varies: 19–21 mm;
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Gallienus (260-268 AD), was the first Roman coin to feature a radiate crown on the emperor's portrait. This crown was a symbol of the emperor's divine nature and was meant to emphasize his connection to the gods. The use of radiate crowns on coins became a common feature in later Roman coinage and was a visual representation of the emperor's divine right to rule.
