© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Sestertius - Gallienus ORIENS AVGG S C; Sol
| Bronze | 19.7 g | - |
| 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 | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 19.7 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#286870 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sol, standing left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ORIENS AVGG S C
Translation:
Oriens Duorum Augustorum. Senatus Consultum.
The rising sun of the two emperors (Augusti). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 15.35–24.14 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Sestertius coin features an image of the Roman sun god, Sol, on its reverse side. This image was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Gallienus, who was known for his efforts to promote the cult of Sol Invictus, or the "Unconquered Sun." This cult was a religious movement that emphasized the power and divinity of the sun god, and it was popular among the Roman military and aristocracy during the 3rd century AD. The inclusion of Sol on the coinage of the time was seen as a way to promote this cult and to reinforce the idea of the Roman Empire's connection to the divine.
