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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Gallienus 166

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Gallienus 166. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gallienus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Gallienus, radiate, right, with the legend GALLIENVS AVG. The reverse shows griffin, walking right or left, or seated right or left, with the legend APOLLINI CONS AVG.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC V Gallienus 165.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 ruled the Roman Empire jointly with his father Valerian from 253 to 260, and as sole emperor from 260 to 268 during the Crisis of the Third Century. Following Valerian's defeat and capture at Edessa in 260, Gallienus faced widespread internal revolts, including the secession of the Gallic Empire, while securing military victories against several usurpers and Germanic tribes.

Struck at the Rome mint, this antoninianus formed part of the Roman monetary system where the denomination, originally introduced by Caracalla, was thought to be valued at two denarii. The obverse depicts Gallienus wearing a radiate crown, which indicated a double denomination, alongside the legend "GALLIENVS AVG". The reverse displays a griffin walking or seated, accompanied by the inscription "APOLLINI CONS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gallienus

Design

Obverse
Head of Gallienus, radiate, right
Reverse
Griffin, walking right or left, or seated right or left
Obverse legend
GALLIENVS AVG
Reverse legend
APOLLINI CONS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Gallienus 166
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
GALLIENVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
APOLLINI CONS AVG
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

Varieties

  • RIC V Gallienus 165

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

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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