Antoninianus - Gallienus (VIRT GALLIENI AVG) (260-268) front Antoninianus - Gallienus (VIRT GALLIENI AVG) (260-268) back
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Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRT GALLIENI AVG

 
Silver - -
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
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#288899
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' name, and it was intended to symbolize the renewal and strengthening of the Roman Empire under his rule. Despite its introduction during a time of economic and political instability, the Antoninianus coin remained in circulation for over a century and became a staple of Roman commerce.