Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (254-257) front Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (254-257) back
Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (254-257) photo
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)

Antoninianus - Valerianus VIRTVS AVGG

 
Silver 3.5 g 22 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
254-257
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.5 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#286012
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting on shield and holding a spear in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VIRTVS AVGG

Translation:
Virtus Augustorum.
Courage of the 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 (254-257 AD), was a significant departure from previous Roman coins. It was the first coin to feature a double portrait of the emperor and his son, Valerianus II, on the obverse (front side), signifying the beginning of a new era in Roman coinage. This design change was a deliberate attempt to promote the idea of a joint rule between the two emperors, emphasizing the unity and stability of the Roman Empire.