Antoninianus - Gallienus VENVS FELIX; Venus
| 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#288856 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Venus, draped, standing left, holding apple in right hand and sceptre in left hand. Officina mark in exergue.
Scripts: Latin, Greek
Lettering:
VENVS FELIX
Δ
Translation:
Venus Felix.
Venus bringing fortune.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin featuring Venus (VENVS FELIX) was issued during the reign of Emperor Gallienus (260-268 AD) and was part of a series of coins that depicted various gods and goddesses of the Roman pantheon. The coin was made of silver and was used as a standard circulation coin throughout the Roman Empire. Interestingly, the coin's design features Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, holding a mirror and a rose, symbols of her association with beauty and fertility. The coin's reverse side features the legend "VENVS FELIX," which translates to "Happy Venus," suggesting that the coin was issued to promote the idea of happiness and prosperity under the rule of Gallienus. Overall, the Antoninianus coin featuring Venus is a fascinating piece of history that provides insight into the cultural and religious beliefs of ancient Rome, as well as the political propaganda techniques used by the Roman Empire during that time.
