Antoninianus - Gallienus Spes
| 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#289346 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, walking right or left, holding flower in right hand and raising robe with left hand.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus, also known as the "Gallienus" (Spes), was a silver coin minted during the reign of Emperor Gallienus (260-268 AD) in the Roman Empire. It was introduced as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard silver coin of the empire for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver, but it was minted with a lower purity than the denarius, containing only about 40% silver compared to the denarius' 90%. This decrease in purity was likely due to the economic pressures of the time, as the empire was facing numerous challenges, including constant wars, inflation, and debasement of the currency. Despite its lower purity, the Antoninianus remained a popular coin among merchants and traders, and it continued to be used throughout the 3rd century AD.