Quinarius - Gallienus VIRTVS AVGG
| Silver | - | - |
| 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 | 255-256 |
| Value | Silver Quinarius (¼) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#286806 |
|---|---|
| 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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Quinarius coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Gallienus in 255-256 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman silver coin for centuries. The Quinarius was made of silver and had a lower weight and purity than the denarius, which made it less valuable. However, it was still widely used throughout the Roman Empire and remained in circulation for many centuries. It's interesting to note that the Quinarius coin was introduced during a time of significant economic and political change in the Roman Empire. The empire was facing numerous challenges, including inflation, debasement of the currency, and external threats. The introduction of the Quinarius coin was likely a response to these challenges, as it was designed to be a more affordable and accessible alternative to the denarius. Despite its lower value, the Quinarius remained an important part of the Roman economy for many years.