RIC V Postumus 75
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC V Postumus 75. 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 moneta, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend MONETA AVG.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 29
- 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 governed the breakaway Gallic Empire between 259 and 269. Around 260, the Roman army in Gaul renounced its allegiance to Gallienus, allowing Postumus to assume imperial titles and authority across Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania. He ruled for nearly ten years from territories including Gaul until his murder by his own soldiers.
Struck at the Lugdunum mint, this coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD and thought to have been valued at two denarii. The denomination traditionally featured a radiate crown upon the emperor's portrait to signify its double denomination value. Introduced initially as a silver coin, the antoninianus suffered successive debasements as soldier emperors and usurpers required continuous coinage to pay their troops and secure their loyalty. The reverse bears the legend "MONETA AVG" alongside Moneta holding scales and a cornucopiae, while the obverse displays the legend "IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG".
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
- Moneta, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend
- MONETA AVG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC V Postumus 75
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- MONETA 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
- RIC / OCREric.5.post.75
Varieties
RIC V Postumus 315
Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.
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.