Antoninianus - Valerianus (VICTORIA AVGG; Victory) (254-255) front Antoninianus - Valerianus (VICTORIA AVGG; Victory) (254-255) back
Antoninianus - Valerianus (VICTORIA AVGG; Victory) (254-255) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Antoninianus - Valerianus VICTORIA AVGG; Victory

 
Silver 3.8 g 21 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
254-255
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.8 g
Diameter
21 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#286131
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Victory, winged, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VICTORIA AVGG

Translation:
Victoria Duorum Augustorum.
Victory of the two emperors (Augusti).

Comment

Mass varies: 2.98–4.71 g;
Diameter varies: 20–21.9 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Antoninianus coin was introduced during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD) as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman silver coin for centuries. The Antoninianus was made of silver, but it was smaller and lighter than the denarius, with a weight of 3.8 grams compared to the denarius' 3.9 grams. Despite its smaller size, the Antoninianus was valued at 20% more than the denarius, reflecting the inflationary pressures of the time. The coin was used throughout the Roman Empire and was a key part of the Roman economy for centuries.