© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Gallienus FIDES MILITVM; Fides
| Gold | 5.7 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 260-268 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 5.7 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#289072 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding ensign in each hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES MILITVM
Translation:
Fides Militum.
Loyalty of the soldiers.
Comment
Example of this type:Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Gallienus (FIDES MILITVM; Fides) coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on coins during the reign of Gallienus. Fides was considered an important virtue in ancient Rome, representing loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness, and was often depicted holding a military standard or a patera (a ritual offering dish), as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Fides on the coinage of Gallienus may have been a way to emphasize the importance of loyalty and fidelity to the Roman state and its leaders during a time of political instability and conflict.
