Aureus - Gallienus VIRTVS AVGG; Mars
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) Valerian (Publius Licinius Valerianus) (253-260) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 257-258 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#286764 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, 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
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Gallienus (VIRTVS AVGG; Mars) coin is that it features the Roman god of war, Mars, on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Gallienus. This coin was minted during a time of significant military conflict for the Roman Empire, including the Battle of Mediolanum in 259 AD, which was a major victory for Gallienus' forces against the invading Goths. The coin's depiction of Mars may have been intended to emphasize the emperor's role as a military leader and to promote the idea of Roman strength and power.