Antoninianus - Valerianus (SALVS AVGG; Salus) (257-259) front Antoninianus - Valerianus (SALVS AVGG; Salus) (257-259) back
Antoninianus - Valerianus (SALVS AVGG; Salus) (257-259) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

Antoninianus - Valerianus SALVS AVGG; Salus

 
Silver 2.8 g 23 mm
Description
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
257-259
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.8 g
Diameter
23 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#286164
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Salus, draped, standing right, feeding serpent held in arms.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SALVS AVGG

Translation:
Salus Duorum Augustorum.
Health of the two emperors (Augusti).

Comment

Example of this type:
Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Valerianus (257-259 AD), was a significant departure from the traditional Roman coinage design. It featured a new portrait of the emperor, with a more naturalistic and individualized depiction, rather than the usual idealized image. This change in design was a reflection of the growing influence of the Renaissance and the desire to create more realistic art. Additionally, the coin's reverse side featured a personification of Salus, the goddess of safety and well-being, which was a departure from the traditional depiction of deities on Roman coins. This coin is considered a rare and valuable example of Roman numismatics and is highly sought after by collectors.