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#289359 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Gallienus, standing left between two captives.
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 made of pure silver. Instead, the Antoninianus was made of a silver-copper alloy, with a ratio of about 1 part silver to 2 parts copper. This change in composition was likely due to a shortage of silver, as well as a desire to increase the amount of coinage in circulation. Despite its lower silver content, the Antoninianus remained a widely used and influential coin throughout the Roman Empire, and it continued to be minted until the late 3rd century AD.