Antoninianus - Gallienus PROVIDENT 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#288823 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand. Officina mark in left field.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PROVIDENT AVG
P
Translation:
Providentia Augusti.
Foresight of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
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 portrait of the emperor wearing a beard. This was a departure from the traditional clean-shaven image of Roman emperors and signified a shift towards a more barbarian style of leadership. The coin's design also included the goddess Providentia on the reverse side, which was a nod to the emperor's efforts to promote the idea of divine providence and protection. Overall, the Antoninianus coin is a fascinating example of how Roman coinage was used as a tool for political propaganda and ideological expression.
