Denarius - Gallienus ORIENS AVG; Sol
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) (253-268) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 260-268 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#288962 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sol, radiate, walking left, holding whip.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ORIENS AVG
Translation:
Oriens Augusti.
The rising sun of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius - Gallienus (ORIENS AVG; Sol) coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Gallienus, who ruled the Roman Empire from 260 to 268 AD. One of the unique features of this coin is that it features a radiate crown on the obverse (front side), which was a new design element introduced by Gallienus. The radiate crown was meant to symbolize the emperor's divine status and connection to the sun god, Sol, who was often depicted on the reverse (back side) of the coin. This design change was a departure from the traditional depiction of Roman emperors wearing a laurel wreath, and it signified a shift in the imperial ideology of the Roman Empire during Gallienus' reign.