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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Postumus 78

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Postumus 78. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Postumus. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows bust of Postumus, radiate, draped, right, with the legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG. The reverse shows pax, draped, walking left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend PAX AVG.

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 governed the breakaway territory known as the Gallic Empire after the Roman army in Gaul renounced its allegiance to Gallienus around 260. He assumed imperial powers across Gaul, Germania, Britannia, and Hispania, ruling for nearly ten years until his murder by his own soldiers.

This silver antoninianus was produced at Lugdunum during his reign. Originally introduced under Caracalla in early 215 AD and valued at two denarii, the denomination was distinguished by the radiate crown worn by the emperor to signify a double denomination. By the third century, rulers and usurpers required substantial quantities of such coinage to pay their troops and secure military loyalty amidst dwindling silver bullion supplies. The reverse depicts Pax carrying an olive-branch and sceptre alongside the legend PAX AVG, while the obverse displays Postumus radiate and draped, accompanied by the inscription 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
Reverse
Pax, draped, walking left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
PAX AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Postumus 78
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
PAX 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

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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