Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 139

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 139. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, with the legend IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG. The reverse shows hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock, with the legend HERC MAGVSANO.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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

Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus was a Roman commander of Batavian origin who governed the splinter state known as the Gallic Empire between 259 and 269. Around 260, the Roman army in Gaul renounced its allegiance to Emperor Gallienus, and Postumus assumed imperial title and authority over Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania. He governed for nearly ten years from centres including Lugdunum before being murdered by his own troops.

This bronze sestertius was produced at the mint of Lugdunum under Postumus. In the Roman monetary system, the sestertius served as a circulating coin valued at two and a half asses, representing one quarter of a denarius. The coin features Postumus on the obverse accompanied by the legend IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG, while the reverse depicts Hercules with a club and lion's skin alongside the legend HERC MAGVSANO.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Postumus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock
Obverse legend
IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
HERC MAGVSANO

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 139
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
HERC MAGVSANO
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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference