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RIC V Postumus 289

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 289. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Cologne. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Postumus, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows victory, winged, draped, standing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand, with the legend IMP X COS V.

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

Postumus was a Roman commander of Batavian origin who ruled as emperor of the Gallic Empire, a splinter state of the Roman Empire, between around 260 and 269. The Roman army in Gaul rejected its allegiance to Emperor Gallienus around 260, allowing Postumus to assume imperial title and power across Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania. He ruled for nearly ten years before being murdered by his own troops.

This silver antoninianus was produced at the mint of Cologne. The denomination was first introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD as a coin valued at two denarii, marked by a radiate crown on depictions of emperors to denote its double value. During the third century, rulers and usurpers required vast quantities of coin to pay soldiers and maintain their loyalty amid dwindling supplies of silver bullion, which resulted in progressive debasement. The reverse displays Victory carrying a wreath and palm alongside the legend "IMP X COS V".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Cologne
Authority
Postumus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Postumus, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Victory, winged, draped, standing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
IMP X COS V

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 289
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
IMP X COS V
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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