Antoninianus - Gallienus VIRTVTI AVG
| Silver | 3.8 g | 22.5 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 | 3.8 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#289536 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Trophy between two captives. Officina mark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVTI AVG
SPQR
Translation:
Virtuti Augusti.
To the courage of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 3.24–4.32 g;Diameter varies: 22–23 mm;
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin featuring Gallienus (VIRTVTI AVG) is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil and change in the Roman Empire. Gallienus was a military leader who became emperor after the death of his father, Valerian, in 260 AD. He faced numerous challenges during his reign, including constant threats from barbarian tribes and internal power struggles. Despite these challenges, he managed to maintain stability in the empire and implement several important reforms, including the creation of a new coinage system. The Antoninianus coin was part of this new system and was introduced to replace the denarius, which had become devalued due to excessive minting. The coin was made of silver and weighed 3.8 grams, making it a significant improvement over the denarius in terms of both durability and value.