Historical Context: Gallienus ruled the Roman Empire during a tumultuous period known as the Crisis of the Third Century, which was characterized by widespread instability, economic difficulties, and frequent military conflicts. Despite these challenges, Gallienus implemented several military reforms aimed at stabilizing the empire and delegating authority to various military commanders. However, this delegation sometimes resulted in further fragmentation of power.
Economic and Social Usage: The Antoninianus was a common coin used for everyday transactions in the Roman Empire. During Gallienus's reign, the coin would have had sufficient value to purchase basic necessities such as bread, wine, or fruits and vegetables. The use of billion (a base metal, often bronze, with a thin silver coating) for this coin reflects the economic strains of the period, as it allowed the appearance of a silver coin while using less precious metal.
Production Details: Coins were produced by striking blank metal discs (flans) with engraved dies. The obverse and reverse dies were inscribed with respective designs and legends. Striking the dies with a hammer imprinted the designs onto the coin. Despite economic challenges, coins minted in major centers like Mediolanum generally maintained consistent standards in terms of weight, size, and imagery, though the silver coating could wear off over time, revealing the base metal beneath.
Conclusion: This Gallienus Antoninianus serves as a valuable historical artifact, providing insights into the economic practices, military concerns, and political propaganda of the Roman Empire during the mid-3rd century. It reflects the efforts of Emperor Gallienus to maintain stability and assert his authority in an era of significant turmoil and change.
4o
Gallianius (253-268 AD)
Opening Sale
Coin: Imperio Romano - Gallienus (253-268 e.c.)
Authority: Gallienus
Dynasty: Valerian Dynasty
State: Roman Empire
Type: BI (Billion) Silvered Antoninianus
Mint: Mediolanum (Milan)
Denomination: Antoninianus
Date: 264 A.D.
Obverse: The Face of this coin features a portrait of Gallienus. The legend around the portrait reads "GALLIENVS AVG," which stands for "Gallienus Augustus," highlighting his status as emperor.
Reverse: features a Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand, accompanied by the legend "VIRTVS AVG," meaning "Virtue of the Emperor."
Metal: Billion a base metal, often bronze, with a thin silver coating
Diameter:21-23 mm
Weight* Approximately 2.5-4 grams
RIC V Gallienus 534
Cond: gVG
Historical Context:
Gallienus ruled during a tumultuous period in the Roman Empire, marked by constant military threats, internal revolts, and economic difficulties. Despite these challenges, his reign is noted for several military reforms and efforts to stabilize the empire. Gallienus is also known for his attempts to manage the crisis of the third century by delegating authority to various military commanders, although this sometimes led to further fragmentation of power.
The Antoninianus coin would have been used for everyday transactions. Considering its value, it might have been enough to buy everyday items like a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, or a handful of fruits or vegetables.
Obverse Details:
The Coin’s face features a radiate bust of Gallienus, depicted wearing a radiate crown, signifying his status as a god-like figure (a practice started with the earlier emperor Elagabalus). The portrait shows him in military attire, indicating his role as a commander. GALLIENVS AVG" is the common inscription, asserting his authority as the emperor and promoting his image as a divine and capable leader.
The coins reverse features a representation of Virtus, the personification of courage and military strength, shown as a standing figure with a spear and shield, or sometimes holding a parazonium (a type of short sword). This symbolizes the emperor's valor and capability in defending the empire. "VIRTVS AVG" emphasizes the emperor's virtue, particularly his bravery and effectiveness as a military leader. This message was crucial in maintaining the loyalty and morale of both the army and the populace during times of crisis. The area below the main design may contain mint marks indicating the specific workshop within the Mediolanum mint. These markings help identify the origin and sometimes the specific issue of the coin.
This coin is made of billion, which is a base metal (typically bronze) with a thin silver wash. This technique was used to create the appearance of a silver coin while using less precious metal, a common practice during periods of economic strain.
Coins were struck using engraved dies. The obverse and reverse dies were engraved with the respective designs, and a blank metal disc (flan) was placed between them. Striking the dies with a hammer impressed the designs onto the coin.
While the quality of minting could vary, coins from major mints like Mediolanum generally maintained a consistent standard in terms of weight, size, and imagery, though the silver wash could wear off over time, revealing the base metal beneath.