Antoninianus - Gallienus (SALVS AVG; Asclepius) (260-268) front Antoninianus - Gallienus (SALVS AVG; Asclepius) (260-268) back
Antoninianus - Gallienus (SALVS AVG; Asclepius) (260-268) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

Antoninianus - Gallienus SALVS AVG; Asclepius

 
Silver 2.6 g 19 mm
Description
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
19 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#289189
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Asclepius, bare to waist, standing left, resting right hand on hip and holding serpent-entwined staff in left hand. Officina mark in exergue.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
SALVS AVG
P

Translation:
Salus Augusti.
Health of the emperor (Augustus).

Comment

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 featuring Gallienus and Asclepius is notable for its depiction of the Roman goddess of health, Salus, on the reverse side. Salus is shown standing left, holding a snake and a patera (a shallow dish used for rituals), symbolizing the healing powers of the goddess. This imagery was particularly significant during the reign of Gallienus, who was known for his efforts to promote the cult of Salus and protect the Roman people from disease and plague. The coin's design serves as a testament to the importance of health and wellness in Roman culture and highlights the role of the emperor in ensuring the well-being of his people.