Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRTVS AVG; Mars
| 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#288910 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand; at his feet, shield or globe. Officina mark in left field.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS AVG
X
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Gallienus (260-268 AD), was the first Roman coin to feature a portrait of the emperor wearing a beard. This was a departure from the traditional clean-shaven image of Roman emperors and signaled a shift towards a more barbarian style of governance. The coin's design also included an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse side, which reflected the military focus of Gallienus' reign.