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RIC V Postumus 64

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 64. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Lugdunum. 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 right hand and holding bow and lion's skin in left hand, with the legend HERC DEVSONIENSI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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 governed the breakaway territory known as the Gallic Empire between 259 and 269. Following the revolt of the Roman army in Gaul against the emperor Gallienus around 260, Postumus assumed imperial title and authority across Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania. He maintained control over these provinces for nearly a decade until he was killed by his own soldiers.

This silver antoninianus was produced at the mint of Lugdunum. The denomination was originally introduced by Caracalla in 215 as a double unit valued at two denarii, distinguished by the radiate crown adorning the emperor's portrait. Soldier emperors and usurpers during this period required coin to pay their armies and maintain military allegiance. The obverse presents Postumus with the legend "IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG", while the reverse depicts Hercules holding a bow and lion's skin and leaning upon a club, accompanied by the inscription "HERC DEVSONIENSI".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
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 right hand and holding bow and lion's skin in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
HERC DEVSONIENSI

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 64
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
HERC DEVSONIENSI
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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