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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 18

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 18. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Postumus, laureate, cuirassed, left, with the legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows bust of a woman, radiate, facing front; on either side, bust of a man, radiate, facing central figure, with the legend AETERNITAS AVG.

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

Postumus was a Roman commander of Batavian origin who ruled the Gallic Empire, a splinter state of the Roman Empire, between around 259 and 269. Around the year 260, the Roman army in Gaul rejected its allegiance to Emperor Gallienus. Postumus then assumed the title and powers of Emperor across the provinces of Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania until he was murdered by his own troops.

Struck at the mint of Lugdunum, this gold aureus represents the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome, which was standard during the imperial period and originally valued at twenty-five silver denarii. The obverse presents Postumus with the legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG. The reverse design depicts a radiate female bust facing forward between two radiate male busts facing toward the central figure, accompanied by the inscription AETERNITAS AVG.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Postumus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Postumus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Postumus, laureate, cuirassed, left
Reverse
Bust of a woman, radiate, facing front; on either side, bust of a man, radiate, facing central figure
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
AETERNITAS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 18
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
AETERNITAS 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

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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