Antoninianus - Gallienus PROVID AVG; Providentia
| 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#289182 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at her feet, globe. Officina mark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PROVID AVG
MT
Translation:
Providentia Augusti.
Foresight of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus, also known as the "Gallienus," was a coin introduced by the Roman Emperor Gallienus in 260 AD, during a time of economic and political turmoil in the Roman Empire. It was made of silver, but its purity was only about 5% compared to the earlier Roman silver coins. Despite its lower silver content, the Antoninianus was still widely accepted and used throughout the empire, and it remained in circulation for over a century. This coin is interesting not only because of its historical significance but also because of its design. The obverse (front) side features an image of Gallienus himself, while the reverse (back) side bears the image of Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight and good fortune. The inscription "PROVID AVG" on the reverse side is an abbreviation of "Providentia Augusti," which translates to "The Foresight of the Emperor." This coin is a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman currency and art, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the economic and cultural landscape of the Roman Empire during a time of great change and upheaval.