Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRT GALLIENI AVG
| 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#288897 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Gallienus, walking right, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand, treading down enemy.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRT GALLIENI AVG
Translation:
Virtuti Gallieni Augusti.
To the virtue of emperor (Augustus) Gallienus.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Gallienus in 260 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman currency for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, which had been debased over time. The coin was named after Gallienus' virtue, "Virtus," which was depicted on the coin's reverse side. Despite its introduction during a time of economic turmoil, the Antoninianus remained in circulation for over a century and became a symbol of the Roman Empire's resilience and stability.