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#286765 |
|---|---|
| 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
The Aureus coin was used as a means of payment for Roman soldiers, and it was also used to pay taxes. It was made of gold, which was a valuable and coveted metal at the time. In fact, the value of the Aureus coin was equivalent to 25 silver denarii, which was a significant amount of money back then. The coin's design featured an image of the Roman god Mars, who was revered as a symbol of strength and power. The coin's inscription, "VIRTVS AVGG," translates to "the virtue of the emperor," highlighting the importance of the emperor's virtues in Roman culture. Overall, the Aureus coin was a symbol of the Roman Empire's wealth and power, and it played a significant role in the empire's economy.