The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This silver Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Gallienus, who ruled during one of the most turbulent periods of Rome's history. Minted in the mid-3rd century CE, this coin reflects both the ongoing monetary debasement and the military reforms that characterized this critical transitional era in the Roman Empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Gallienus wearing a radiate crown (with ray-like projections symbolizing the sun), shown with a stern expression and imperial regalia, surrounded by Latin text identifying him as emperor
Back side: Likely depicts either a Roman deity associated with Gallienus (possibly Apollo or Sol, the sun god), a military symbol, or personification of an imperial virtue such as Victory or Providence
Technical Details:
Silver alloy composition (though significantly debased, containing substantial copper)
Antoninianus denomination (double denarius, though with reduced silver content)
RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) reference number not visible in description
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) certified
Minted approximately 253-268 CE
Good to Fine condition (showing wear consistent with circulation)
Historical Significance:
This coin circulated during a period known as the "Crisis of the Third Century," when Rome faced continuous invasions, civil wars, and economic decline. Gallienus, despite his reputation for divine pretensions, implemented crucial military reforms that established a more mobile cavalry force and laid groundwork for later imperial recovery. Minted at a time when the empire was fragmenting, with breakaway states in Gaul and Palmyra, these coins reflect both the monetary instability of the period (continued debasement) and desperate attempts to maintain imperial imagery and authority in the face of mounting crises. The radiate crown on these coins became standard during this period as a way to distinguish the increasingly debased antoninianus from the traditional denarius.
The coins shown are representative examples of the grade and type, but not the actual specimens for sale. For details on NGC’s grading standards and definitions, please refer to our NGC Grading page.
This silver Antoninianus coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Gallienus, who ruled during one of the most turbulent periods of Rome's history. Minted in the mid-3rd century CE, this coin reflects both the ongoing monetary debasement and the military reforms that characterized this critical transitional era in the Roman Empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Gallienus wearing a radiate crown (with ray-like projections symbolizing the sun), shown with a stern expression and imperial regalia, surrounded by Latin text identifying him as emperor
Back side: Likely depicts either a Roman deity associated with Gallienus (possibly Apollo or Sol, the sun god), a military symbol, or personification of an imperial virtue such as Victory or Providence
Technical Details:
Silver alloy composition (though significantly debased, containing substantial copper)
Antoninianus denomination (double denarius, though with reduced silver content)
RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage) reference number not visible in description
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) certified
Minted approximately 253-268 CE
Good to Fine condition (showing wear consistent with circulation)
Historical Significance:
This coin circulated during a period known as the "Crisis of the Third Century," when Rome faced continuous invasions, civil wars, and economic decline. Gallienus, despite his reputation for divine pretensions, implemented crucial military reforms that established a more mobile cavalry force and laid groundwork for later imperial recovery. Minted at a time when the empire was fragmenting, with breakaway states in Gaul and Palmyra, these coins reflect both the monetary instability of the period (continued debasement) and desperate attempts to maintain imperial imagery and authority in the face of mounting crises. The radiate crown on these coins became standard during this period as a way to distinguish the increasingly debased antoninianus from the traditional denarius.
