© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRTVS AVG
| Silver | 3 g | 21 mm |
| 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 |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#289237 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Mass varies: 1.88–4.37 g;Diameter varies: 20–22.28 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
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 5% silver, with the rest being base metals like copper and bronze. Despite its lower silver content, the coin was still widely accepted and used throughout the Roman Empire. This coin is an example of how the Roman Empire adapted its currency to meet the needs of a changing economy and society.
