© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Valerianus SALVS AVGG; Salus
| Silver | 2.9 g | 20.5 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 | 254-259 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.9 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#285997 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, feeding snake out of patera in right hand rising up from altar and holding sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SALVS AVGG
Translation:
Salus Duorum Augustorum.
Health of the two emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Mass varies: 2.622–3.2 g;Diameter varies: 19–21.4 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 (254-259 AD), was the first Roman coin to feature a portrait of the emperor wearing a beard. This was a departure from the traditional clean-shaven image of Roman emperors and signified a shift towards a more barbarian style of leadership. The coin's design was meant to convey the emperor's strength and military prowess, as well as his connection to the gods, as the reverse side of the coin features an image of the goddess Salus (Health) standing next to an altar.
