Antoninianus - Gallienus (SALVS PVBLICA; Salus) (257-259) front Antoninianus - Gallienus (SALVS PVBLICA; Salus) (257-259) back
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Antoninianus - Gallienus SALVS PVBLICA; Salus

 
Silver - -
Description
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
257-259
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#286523
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Salus, draped, standing left, feeding serpent rising from altar.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SALVS PVBLICA

Translation:
Salus Publica.
Public health.

Comment

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Gallienus (257-259 AD), was the first Roman coin to feature a portrait of the emperor on the obverse (front side) and a personification of the Roman state, Salus, on the reverse (back side). This design change marked a significant shift in Roman coinage, as it emphasized the importance of the emperor's image and the idea of the state's protection and well-being.