Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRTVS FALERI

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 only about 5% compared to the earlier Roman silver coins. Despite its lower silver content, the Antoninianus was still widely accepted as a form of currency throughout the Roman Empire. In fact, it became the standard coinage of the Roman Empire for over a century, until the reign of Diocletian in 284 AD. This coin is particularly interesting because it reflects the economic and political challenges faced by the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD. The reduced silver content was a result of the empire's financial struggles, while the coin's widespread acceptance speaks to the empire's continued influence and power. Additionally, the Antoninianus features an image of the Roman goddess Victory (VIRTVS) on its reverse side, symbolizing the empire's military prowess and the emperor's claim to divine authority. Overall, the Antoninianus is a fascinating example of how coins can provide insights into the history, culture, and economy of ancient civilizations.

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• ancient