Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRTVS 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#288916 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Gallienus, standing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and ensign in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus, also known as the "Gallienus," was a coin introduced by the Roman Emperor Gallienus in 260 AD, during a time of economic crisis and military conflict. It was made of silver, but its purity was lower than that of previous Roman silver coins, which had been 95% pure. The Antoninianus was only about 50% silver, with the rest being made up of base metals like copper and bronze. Despite its lower purity, the coin was still widely accepted and used throughout the Roman Empire. This fact is interesting because it highlights the challenges faced by the Roman Empire during this time period. The empire was facing economic struggles, military threats, and political instability, which led to the introduction of a new coin with lower silver content. Despite these challenges, the Antoninianus remained a widely accepted form of currency, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the Roman Empire.