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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 389

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 389. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Mediolanum. 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 hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock, with the legend VIRTVS EQVITVM.

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

Struck at Mediolanum, this silver antoninianus belonged to a denomination first introduced by Caracalla in 215 AD, thought to be valued at two denarii. Soldier emperors and usurpers frequently required such coinage to pay their troops and maintain military loyalty amid declining silver supplies. The coin depicts Postumus wearing a radiate crown, the distinguishing mark of the double denomination, alongside the obverse legend "IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG". The reverse depicts Hercules resting on a club with a lion's skin, accompanied by the inscription "VIRTVS EQVITVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Mediolanum
Authority
Postumus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion's skin on rock
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS EQVITVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 389
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS EQVITVM
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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