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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Gallienus 509

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Gallienus 509. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gallienus. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Gallienus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP GALLIENVS P AVG.

The reverse shows providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at her feet, globe.

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, and ruled alone from 260 to 268 amidst the Crisis of the Third Century. Mediolanum served as a key military centre during his reign; he destroyed an Alemanni army there in 259 and later besieged the usurper Aureolus within the city in 268, during which Gallienus was assassinated.

This coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD that was thought to have been valued at two denarii. The denomination was distinguished by depicting the emperor wearing a radiate crown, signifying a double denomination. Originally struck in silver, the antoninianus underwent progressive debasement as soldier emperors needed coin to pay troops and secure their loyalty amid declining silver bullion supplies. The obverse carries the legend "IMP GALLIENVS P AVG", while the reverse depicts Providentia draped, holding a baton and sceptre, accompanied by a globe at her feet.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Gallienus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gallienus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at her feet, globe
Obverse legend
IMP GALLIENVS P AVG
Reverse legend
Research required

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Gallienus 509
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GALLIENVS P AVG
Reverse legend to match
Research required
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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