Antoninianus - Gallienus (PIETAS AVG) (266-268) front Antoninianus - Gallienus (PIETAS AVG) (266-268) back
Antoninianus - Gallienus (PIETAS AVG) (266-268) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

Antoninianus - Gallienus PIETAS AVG

 
Silver 3.8 g 21.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
266-268
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.8 g
Diameter
21.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#289414
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Gallienus, togate, standing left, sacrificing out of patera held in right hand over tripod and holding spear or sceptre in left hand. Officina mark in exergue.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PIETAS AVG
VIIC

Translation:
Pietas Augusti.
Piety of the emperor (Augustus).

Comment

Mass varies: 3.58–4.06 g;
Diameter varies: 21–22 mm;

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, which was issued during the reign of Gallienus (266-268 AD), was a significant departure from previous Roman coins in terms of its design and metal content. It was the first Roman coin to feature a radiate crown on the emperor's head, which symbolized the power and authority of the emperor. Additionally, the coin was made of silver, which was a departure from the traditional bronze or copper used in previous coins. This change in metal content was likely due to the economic pressures of the time, as the Roman Empire was facing significant inflation and currency devaluation. Overall, the Antoninianus coin represents an important milestone in the development of Roman currency and is a valuable piece of history for collectors and historians.