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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Gallienus 481

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Gallienus 481. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gallienus. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows head of Gallienus, radiate, right, with the legend GALLIENVS AVG. The reverse shows fides, draped, standing left, holding ensign in right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend FIDES MILIT.

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 until 260, and ruled alone until September 268 during the Crisis of the Third Century. After his father was captured at Edessa in 260, Gallienus faced widespread civil conflict, Germanic invasions, and multiple usurpers. Mediolanum served as a strategic military centre, where Gallienus defeated an Alemanni army in 259 and later besieged the usurper Aureolus in 268.

This silver antoninianus was produced at the mint of Mediolanum. Initially introduced by Caracalla in 215 as a coin valued at two denarii, the antoninianus served as double denomination currency characterised by the ruler wearing a radiate crown. A succession of soldier emperors and usurpers required vast quantities of coinage to pay troops and maintain military allegiance during repeated internal and external conflicts. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the legend GALLIENVS AVG, whilst the reverse displays Fides holding an ensign and sceptre alongside the legend FIDES MILIT.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Gallienus

Design

Obverse
Head of Gallienus, radiate, right
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding ensign in right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
GALLIENVS AVG
Reverse legend
FIDES MILIT

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Gallienus 481
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
GALLIENVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
FIDES MILIT
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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