© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gallienus P M TR P IIII COS III P P; Sol
| Silver | 3.4 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (253-260) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 256-255 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#286584 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, walking left, raising right hand and holding whip in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P IIII COS III P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Quarta, Consul Tertium, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the fourth time, consul for the third time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.38–3.95 g;Diameter varies: 21.8–22 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Sol on the reverse, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Gallienus. Sol was the goddess of the sun and was often depicted driving a chariot of four horses, as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Sol on the coinage of Gallienus may have been a way to emphasize the emperor's connection to the divine and to promote the idea of the Roman Empire as a powerful and eternal entity, much like the sun itself.
