Antoninianus - Saloninus as Caesar (SPES PVBLICA; Spes) (256-258) front Antoninianus - Saloninus as Caesar (SPES PVBLICA; Spes) (256-258) back
Antoninianus - Saloninus as Caesar (SPES PVBLICA; Spes) (256-258) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Antoninianus - Saloninus as Caesar SPES PVBLICA; Spes

 
Silver 3.2 g 21 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Saloninus (Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus) (260) Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (253-260) Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
256-258
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.2 g
Diameter
21 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#289787
Rarity index
86%

Reverse

Spes, draped, presenting flower to Saloninus with right hand and holding skirt with left hand; Saloninus in military attire and holding spear. Officina mark at the top centre.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
SPES PVBLICA
*

Translation:
Spes Publica.
Hope of the public.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.52–3.95 g;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the image of Saloninus, who was a Caesar (junior emperor) during the reign of Gallienus, and was known for his military campaigns against the Goths and other barbarian tribes. Despite his military successes, Saloninus was assassinated in 260 AD, and this coin was likely minted posthumously as a tribute to his legacy.