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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 377

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 377. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, with the legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG. The reverse shows fides, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and ensign in left hand, with the legend FIDES EQVIT.

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 was a Roman commander of Batavian origin who ruled as emperor of the Gallic Empire between 259 and 269. Around 260, the Roman army in Gaul renounced its allegiance to Gallienus, whereupon Postumus took imperial powers across Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania. He governed for nearly a decade before being murdered by his own troops. This coinage was produced at Mediolanum.

The antoninianus was introduced under Caracalla in 215 as a double denomination valued at two denarii, distinguished by the radiate crown worn by the emperor. Facing shortages of silver bullion, soldier emperors and usurpers continually issued the denomination with decreasing silver purity to pay troops and maintain their allegiance. On this issue, the obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the inscription "IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts Fides holding a patera and an ensign, accompanied by the legend "FIDES EQVIT".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Postumus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right
Reverse
Fides, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and ensign in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
FIDES EQVIT

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 377
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
FIDES EQVIT
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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