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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 318

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 318. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Cologne. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows pax, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend PAX AVG.

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

Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus, a Roman commander of Batavian origin, ruled as emperor of the splinter Gallic Empire between roughly 259 and 269. The Roman army in Gaul renounced allegiance to Emperor Gallienus around 260, prompting Postumus to assume imperial titles and authority across Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania. He governed for nearly a decade before his murder by his own soldiers.

This silver antoninianus was produced at the mint of Cologne. The antoninianus, originally introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD as a double denomination valued at two denarii, was distinguished by the radiate crown adorning the emperor's portrait. Soldier emperors and usurpers routinely required coinage to pay troops and secure military loyalty amidst depleted silver bullion reserves. The reverse design features Pax holding an olive branch and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription PAX AVG, while the obverse presents the imperial portrait with the title IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG.

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
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
PAX AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 318
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
PAX 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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