© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Valerian VIRTVS AVGG, Virtus; Mediolanum
257 year| Silver | - | 21.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (253-260) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 257 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Diameter | 21.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280511 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVGG
Edge
Plain
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Valerian in 257 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman currency for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, which had been debased over time. The coin was named after Valerian's virtue, "Virtus," which was depicted on the coin along with the emperor's image. The Antoninianus was used throughout the Roman Empire and remained in circulation until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.
