© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Valerianus FIDES MILITVM; Fides
| Silver | 3 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (253-260) Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 253-256 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#285959 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES MILITVM
Translation:
Fides Militum.
Loyalty of the soldiers.
Comment
Mass varies: 1.97–3.72 g;Diameter varies: 20.92–23 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Valerianus (253-256 AD), was the first Roman coin to feature the goddess Fides (Fidelity) on its reverse side. Fides was an important deity in ancient Roman religion, representing the moral obligation to fulfill one's duties and maintain loyalty to the state and its leaders. The inclusion of Fides on the coinage was a deliberate choice made by Valerianus to promote the idea of loyalty and fidelity among his subjects, particularly during a time of political instability and external threats to the empire.
