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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Gallienus (joint reign) 186

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Gallienus (joint reign) 186. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gallienus; Valerian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Gallienus, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP GALLIENVS P F AVG GERM.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted, in military attire, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand, with the legend VIRTVS AVGG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Gallienus served as Roman emperor alongside his father Valerian from 253 to 260, subsequently ruling alone until 268. Following Valerian's accession in September 253, the Roman Senate elevated Gallienus to the rank of Augustus, dividing the governance of the empire with Valerian managing the east and Gallienus administering the west during the Crisis of the Third Century.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver antoninianus formed part of the monetary system initially introduced under Caracalla in 215 AD as a double denomination valued at two denarii. The antoninianus characteristically displayed the ruler wearing a radiate crown, as seen in the obverse portrait of Gallienus with the legend IMP GALLIENVS P F AVG GERM. The reverse design features the war god Mars advancing in military attire with a spear and trophy, accompanied by the legend VIRTVS AVGG, invoking the joint rulers during their shared imperial authority.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gallienus; Valerian

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gallienus, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP GALLIENVS P F AVG GERM
Reverse legend
VIRTVS AVGG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Gallienus (joint reign) 186
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GALLIENVS P F AVG GERM
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS AVGG
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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