Antoninianus - Valerianus VIRTVS AVGG
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 | 257-258 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#286018 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVGG
Translation:
Virtus Augustorum.
Courage of the emperors (Augusti).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced during the reign of Emperor Valerian (253-260 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 lower silver content. This change in composition was likely due to the economic pressures of the time, as the Roman Empire was facing inflation and a shortage of silver. Despite its lower value, the Antoninianus was still widely used throughout the empire and remained in circulation for many years.