Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (257-258) front Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (257-258) back
Antoninianus - Valerianus (VIRTVS AVGG) (257-258) 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 21.5 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
257-258
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.5 g
Diameter
21.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#286187
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

Mass varies: 3.1–4.15 g;
Diameter varies: 20–22 mm;

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 (257-258 AD), was a significant departure from previous Roman coinage. It was the first coin to feature a radiate crown on the emperor's head, which symbolized the power and authority of the Roman Empire. This design change marked a shift towards a more formalized and centralized imperial ideology, and it set the standard for future Roman coinage.