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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 388

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 388. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Mediolanum. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP POSTVMVS AVG. The reverse shows mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand, with the legend VIRTVS 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

Postumus was a Roman commander of Batavian origin who ruled as emperor of the Gallic Empire, a splinter state of the Roman Empire, between 259 and 269. Around 260, the Roman army in Gaul renounced its allegiance to Emperor Gallienus, allowing Postumus to assume imperial title and authority across the provinces of Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania until he was murdered by his troops.

This coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 215 and thought to have been valued at two denarii. Originating as a silver piece distinguished by the emperor's radiate crown, the denomination was struck by a series of soldier emperors and usurpers who needed coin to pay their troops and secure their loyalty. Struck at Mediolanum, this silver piece bears the obverse legend "IMP POSTVMVS AVG" and a reverse depicting Mars accompanied by the legend "VIRTVS EQVIT".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Postumus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Mars, walking right, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP POSTVMVS AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS EQVIT

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 388
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP POSTVMVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS 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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