© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRTVS AVG; Mars
| Silver | 3 g | 20 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 | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#288905 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, holding globe in right hand and spear in left hand; his foot on helmet. Officina mark in left field.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS AVG
P
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.19–4.15 g;Diameter varies: 16.5–22 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin featuring Gallienus (VIRTVS AVG; Mars) was minted during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire. The empire was facing numerous challenges, including invasions by barbarian tribes, internal power struggles, and economic instability. Despite these challenges, the coinage during this period remained consistent, with the Antoninianus denomination being introduced during the reign of Gallienus (260-268 AD) as a replacement for the earlier denarius. This coin's design, featuring Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse, may have been intended to convey the message that the Roman Empire was still a powerful and dominant force, despite the challenges it faced.
