This silver-washed bronze coin was minted during the sole reign of Emperor Gallienus, who ruled during the turbulent "Crisis of the Third Century" when the Roman Empire faced unprecedented military and economic challenges. The antoninianus had become the standard silver denomination, though by this time it contained significantly reduced precious metal content.
Coin Description:
Front side: Radiate bust (wearing spiked crown) of Gallienus facing right; Latin inscription "GALLIENVS AVG" (Gallienus Augustus)
Back side: Military trophy (display of captured arms) standing between two seated captives; inscription "PAX FVNDATA" (Peace Established)
Technical Details:
Silver-washed bronze composition, weighing 4.29 grams
Antoninianus denomination (nominally a double denarius despite reduced silver content)
Reference: RIC-652
No certification mentioned
Date: 253-268 CE
Condition: Not specified
Historical Significance:
Gallienus ruled during one of the most challenging periods in Roman history, when the empire faced invasions on multiple frontiers and numerous internal revolts. Despite these challenges, he implemented important military reforms and managed to stabilize portions of the empire. The "Peace Established" message on this coin likely celebrates a specific military victory, with the trophy and captives emphasizing Roman dominance over defeated enemies, though such propaganda often contrasted sharply with the empire's actual circumstances.
This silver-washed bronze coin was minted during the sole reign of Emperor Gallienus, who ruled during the turbulent "Crisis of the Third Century" when the Roman Empire faced unprecedented military and economic challenges. The antoninianus had become the standard silver denomination, though by this time it contained significantly reduced precious metal content.
Coin Description:
Front side: Radiate bust (wearing spiked crown) of Gallienus facing right; Latin inscription "GALLIENVS AVG" (Gallienus Augustus)
Back side: Military trophy (display of captured arms) standing between two seated captives; inscription "PAX FVNDATA" (Peace Established)
Technical Details:
Silver-washed bronze composition, weighing 4.29 grams
Antoninianus denomination (nominally a double denarius despite reduced silver content)
Reference: RIC-652
No certification mentioned
Date: 253-268 CE
Condition: Not specified
Historical Significance:
Gallienus ruled during one of the most challenging periods in Roman history, when the empire faced invasions on multiple frontiers and numerous internal revolts. Despite these challenges, he implemented important military reforms and managed to stabilize portions of the empire. The "Peace Established" message on this coin likely celebrates a specific military victory, with the trophy and captives emphasizing Roman dominance over defeated enemies, though such propaganda often contrasted sharply with the empire's actual circumstances.
