Roman Empire. Postumus (AD 260-269). Antoninianus





Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.

Experienced antique appraiser specialising in Spanish coins with deep knowledge of ancient currency.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 138300 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Roman Imperial
Postumus, Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Antoninianus (Silver, 23 mm, 2.81 g, 7 h), Colonia (Cologne). IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to right. Rev. LAETITIA AVG Small naval vessel, a navis lusoria, sailing to left. Coehen 167. RIC 73. struck with a worn reverse die, minor edge split, otherwise, about extremely fine.
The reverse of this antoninianus of Postumus shows a small ship designed for military use on the rivers of the Roman Empire, especially on the Rhine and its tributaries. They required a staff consisting of at least 30 rower-marines, a steersman and two sailors to manage the sail; highly maneuverable and quite fast, they were able to travel up to 100 km in a day. Well-known from their use in the 4th century, especially under Julian, after the great German invasion of c. 405/407 the fleet was progressively abandoned. In an amazing discovery while preparing the foundations for a new hotel in Mainz, five of these ships were found sunk in the mud of the riverbank, where they had rested since their abandonment in the late 4th or early 5th century.
--------------------------
Shipping Notice
Please note that we do not offer combined shipping. Each item purchased will be shipped individually, with separate shipping costs applied to each order.
This policy allows us to ensure careful handling and faster, safer delivery of every piece.
We appreciate your understanding and remain at your disposal for any further clarification.
Seller's Story
Roman Imperial
Postumus, Romano-Gallic Emperor, AD 260-269. Antoninianus (Silver, 23 mm, 2.81 g, 7 h), Colonia (Cologne). IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to right. Rev. LAETITIA AVG Small naval vessel, a navis lusoria, sailing to left. Coehen 167. RIC 73. struck with a worn reverse die, minor edge split, otherwise, about extremely fine.
The reverse of this antoninianus of Postumus shows a small ship designed for military use on the rivers of the Roman Empire, especially on the Rhine and its tributaries. They required a staff consisting of at least 30 rower-marines, a steersman and two sailors to manage the sail; highly maneuverable and quite fast, they were able to travel up to 100 km in a day. Well-known from their use in the 4th century, especially under Julian, after the great German invasion of c. 405/407 the fleet was progressively abandoned. In an amazing discovery while preparing the foundations for a new hotel in Mainz, five of these ships were found sunk in the mud of the riverbank, where they had rested since their abandonment in the late 4th or early 5th century.
--------------------------
Shipping Notice
Please note that we do not offer combined shipping. Each item purchased will be shipped individually, with separate shipping costs applied to each order.
This policy allows us to ensure careful handling and faster, safer delivery of every piece.
We appreciate your understanding and remain at your disposal for any further clarification.
