Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (254-255) front Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (254-255) back
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Antoninianus - Valerianus VIRTVS AVGG

 
Silver - -
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
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#286133
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear 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 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 lower silver content. Despite its lower value, the Antoninianus was widely accepted and used throughout the Roman Empire, and it remained in circulation for over a century. The coin , the VIRTVS AVGG Antoninianus, was issued during the reign of Emperor Valerianus (253-260 AD) and features the emperor's name and title on one side, and the goddess Virtus (representing bravery and military strength) on the other. The coin's design and inscription reflect the Roman Empire's emphasis on military power and the deification of its emperors during this period.