











Aureolus Roman AE (Issued In The Name Of Postumus) (about 1,755 years ago)
This bronze coin was issued by the Roman general Aureolus during his brief rebellion against Emperor Gallienus in 268 CE. Interestingly, instead of minting coins in his own name, Aureolus produced coins in the name of Postumus, the ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire, indicating their political alliance against the central Roman authority.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Postumus (not Aureolus) wearing a radiate crown, with Latin inscriptions identifying him as emperor
Back side: Likely features typical Roman imagery such as deities, personifications, or military themes common on Postumus' coinage
Technical Details:
Bronze composition (copper alloy)
AE denomination (bronze coinage)
NGC certified (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Minted in 268 CE during Aureolus' brief rebellion
Condition: Certified by NGC, specific grade not provided
Historical Significance: This coin illustrates the complex political fragmentation of the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. General Aureolus, commander of Emperor Gallienus' cavalry, rebelled in 268 CE and allied himself with Postumus, ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire. By minting coins in Postumus' name rather than his own, Aureolus demonstrated his recognition of the Gallic ruler's authority. His rebellion was short-lived, however, as he was defeated and executed in Milan by forces loyal to Claudius II Gothicus, who succeeded Gallienus after his assassination. These coins provide numismatic evidence of the shifting political alliances during this chaotic period.
This bronze coin was issued by the Roman general Aureolus during his brief rebellion against Emperor Gallienus in 268 CE. Interestingly, instead of minting coins in his own name, Aureolus produced coins in the name of Postumus, the ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire, indicating their political alliance against the central Roman authority.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Postumus (not Aureolus) wearing a radiate crown, with Latin inscriptions identifying him as emperor
Back side: Likely features typical Roman imagery such as deities, personifications, or military themes common on Postumus' coinage
Technical Details:
Bronze composition (copper alloy)
AE denomination (bronze coinage)
NGC certified (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Minted in 268 CE during Aureolus' brief rebellion
Condition: Certified by NGC, specific grade not provided
Historical Significance: This coin illustrates the complex political fragmentation of the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. General Aureolus, commander of Emperor Gallienus' cavalry, rebelled in 268 CE and allied himself with Postumus, ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire. By minting coins in Postumus' name rather than his own, Aureolus demonstrated his recognition of the Gallic ruler's authority. His rebellion was short-lived, however, as he was defeated and executed in Milan by forces loyal to Claudius II Gothicus, who succeeded Gallienus after his assassination. These coins provide numismatic evidence of the shifting political alliances during this chaotic period.
This bronze coin was issued by the Roman general Aureolus during his brief rebellion against Emperor Gallienus in 268 CE. Interestingly, instead of minting coins in his own name, Aureolus produced coins in the name of Postumus, the ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire, indicating their political alliance against the central Roman authority.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Postumus (not Aureolus) wearing a radiate crown, with Latin inscriptions identifying him as emperor
Back side: Likely features typical Roman imagery such as deities, personifications, or military themes common on Postumus' coinage
Technical Details:
Bronze composition (copper alloy)
AE denomination (bronze coinage)
NGC certified (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Minted in 268 CE during Aureolus' brief rebellion
Condition: Certified by NGC, specific grade not provided
Historical Significance: This coin illustrates the complex political fragmentation of the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. General Aureolus, commander of Emperor Gallienus' cavalry, rebelled in 268 CE and allied himself with Postumus, ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire. By minting coins in Postumus' name rather than his own, Aureolus demonstrated his recognition of the Gallic ruler's authority. His rebellion was short-lived, however, as he was defeated and executed in Milan by forces loyal to Claudius II Gothicus, who succeeded Gallienus after his assassination. These coins provide numismatic evidence of the shifting political alliances during this chaotic period.
Aureolus was a Roman military commander during the reign of Emperor Gallienus before he attempted to usurp the Roman Empire. After turning against Gallienus, Aureolus was killed during the political turmoil that surrounded the Emperor's assassination in a conspiracy orchestrated by his senior officers. Aureolus is known as one of the Thirty Tyrants and is referenced in ancient sources including the Historia Augusta,[1] Zonaras' epitome[2] and Zosimus' Historia Nova.[3][4]
Aurelous was born in the Roman province of Dacia, north of the Danube, and prior to his military career served as a herdsman[5] as well as Master of the Imperial Horses ('Phronistes').[2] His nomen is often reported as Acilius, while his praenomen is thought to be either Marcus or Manius,[6] both of which were common praenomina within the Acilia gens. Although some historians such as John Platts, William A'Beckett and Angelo Paredi have thought the 'M' to stand for a second nomen Manlius.[7][8][9]
It is unclear whether Aurelous came to the attention of the Emperor Gallienus after enlisting in the army, or during his service as a groom. Gallienus was known to promote talent from outside the establishment, and Aureolus was one of the New Men who replaced senators in positions of high command in the army in the course of his reign.