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#289523 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing or walking right, holding spear in right hand and shield 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 political instability. It was made of silver, but its purity was lower than that of previous Roman silver coins, which had been minted with a higher concentration of silver. Despite this, the Antoninianus remained a popular coin throughout the Roman Empire and was widely used for trade and commerce. It's an interesting example of how economic pressures and political factors can shape the design and composition of coins, and how coins can provide a window into the economic and political climate of a particular time and place.
