The Journey of a Gallienus Antoninianus
 
A Glittering Start at Ticinum (Pavia) – AD 257
Deep in the workshop of the Roman mint at Ticinum (modern-day Pavia), molten metal—fortified with a fine silver wash—was poured into small blank flans. Skilled die-cutters carefully engraved the image of Emperor Gallienus, wearing his impressive radiate crown, on the obverse die.
Clang!

With a single, decisive strike, your coin was born. Gleaming with a silvery surface, it proudly bore the legend IMP GALLIENVS P AVG and the personification of PAX AVGG on its reverse, celebrating peace (or at least the propaganda of peace) under Gallienus’s reign. The mark “T” in the left field denoted the third officina (workshop) at Ticinum.
 
Freshly Minted & On the Move
Along with hundreds or thousands of its siblings, the coin was counted and packed into leather pouches. Some were destined for soldiers’ wages—especially relevant as Gallienus contended with numerous threats, including the rebellious Ingenuus. Others were used by merchants to settle debts or purchase goods in bustling Italian markets. Your particular coin, with that shining EF finish, may have been admired for its crisp details, a small treasure even in its own time.
 
Military Pay and Roman Roads
It didn’t take long for your Antoninianus to clink into a soldier’s purse. With Germanic tribes pressing on northern borders and usurpers flaring up across the empire, troops were constantly on the move. Under Gallienus, the Roman army traveled from camp to camp—perhaps heading north to secure Alpine passes, or east toward the Danube frontier. Your coin might have paid for an inn stay, a meal of bread and wine, or supplies from local vendors along the storied Roman roads.
 
Traipsing Through the Crisis of the Third Century
This period in Roman history was fraught with turmoil—plagues, breakaway empires, barbarian incursions, and short-lived emperors. Even so, life (and commerce) continued. The coin could have crossed the Po River multiple times, visiting major cities like Mediolanum (Milan) or Verona. Traders and soldiers alike used it in transactions for cloth, pottery, or metalwork. Many times it narrowly escaped the melt pot, as frequent currency reforms and re-coining efforts threatened older issues.
 
A Time of Relative Peace (Briefly)
When Gallienus managed to suppress the usurper Ingenuus, imperial mints celebrated. Your coin’s reverse, PAX AVGG, may have gained renewed meaning in the eyes of the locals—Rome’s power had seemingly triumphed once again, and a semblance of peace returned to the troubled provinces. For a while, your coin circulated alongside freshly minted pieces boasting similar messages of victory and restoration.
 
Slipping Out of Circulation
Over the years, repeated hands, pouches, and purses eventually left the coin’s surface worn. However, by a stroke of luck—or a collector’s early eye—it retained much of its original silver wash, preventing the typical heavy loss of plating. Finally, perhaps during another round of unrest, someone chose to stash a small hoard of coins underground for safekeeping. Your Gallienus Antoninianus lay hidden there, preserving its EF details in the stillness of the soil.
 
Rediscovery in Modern Times
Centuries later, an inquisitive farmer, a construction crew, or an amateur archaeologist unearthed a cache of old Roman currency. Brushing off the dirt, they recognized the striking portrait of an unfamiliar emperor wearing a radiate crown. Soon enough, experts identified it: Gallienus, AD 260–268, minted at Ticinum in AD 257.
 
Remarkably, the coin’s silvery finish remained visible, and the legends IMP GALLIENVS P AVG and PAX AVGG still stood out, testifying to its careful preservation and limited wear.
 
Modern Appreciation
Cleaned just enough to reveal its details (but not ruin its patina), your EF-grade Antoninianus found its way into our collection. Our Numismatists studied its legend variations, officina marking (“T” in left field), and historical significance—particularly its commemoration of Gallienus’s victories and the fleeting “Pax.” Now, it’s cherished as a direct link to the Crisis of the Third Century, embodying the ambition, strife, and resilience of a turbulent time in Roman history.
 
A Coin’s Testament
From the mint at Ticinum to the far corners of the empire, from anxious soldiers to hidden hoards, your Gallienus Antoninianus survived the upheaval that characterized mid-3rd-century Rome. Today, it stands as a testament to Gallienus’s efforts at preserving the empire—however briefly—and to the enduring power of tangible history that spans millennia.
 
The Coin of Augustus
 
The silver antoninianus from the reign of Gallienus, struck between 264-265 AD, is a valuable artifact from a period of significant upheaval in the Roman Empire. The coin's design, featuring the radiate portrait of Gallienus and the personification of Uberitas, highlights the emperor's efforts to project an image of divine favor and economic prosperity. Understanding the historical context and symbolism of this coin provides insight into the challenges and strategies of Gallienus' reign and the broader economic and social dynamics of the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century.
 
Historical and Cultural Context:
 
Gallienus ruled during a turbulent period known as the Crisis of the Third Century, characterized by internal strife, external invasions, and economic difficulties. Despite these challenges, his reign saw efforts to stabilize the empire and promote prosperity.
 
The depiction of Uberitas on the coin reflects the Roman emphasis on the emperor's role in providing for the people's needs and ensuring the stability of the empire. The use of personifications like Uberitas was common to convey abstract qualities and virtues associated with the emperor's rule.
 
Economic and Social Impact:
 
Circulation: Antoninianus coins were widely circulated and used for everyday transactions. The silver plating on this coin indicates its value and the attempts to maintain a semblance of precious metal content during times of economic strain.
Propaganda: The imagery and legends on the coin served to reinforce the emperor's legitimacy and his commitment to the prosperity and stability of the empire. By depicting symbols of abundance and divine favor, the coin aimed to bolster public confidence in Gallienus' leadership.
Public Perception: Coins featuring Uberitas would have conveyed a message of hope and assurance to the populace, suggesting that the emperor was capable of restoring and maintaining economic prosperity.
 
What the Coin Could Buy:
 
The silver-plated antoninianus, though devalued compared to earlier pure silver coins, still held significant purchasing power for daily transactions, such as:
Food: Basic food items like grains, bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Clothing: Simple garments for ordinary citizens.
Services: Fees for minor services like entry to public baths or small domestic tasks.
Household Items: Basic pottery, cooking utensils, and other small domestic goods.