Ancient Roman Bronze AR Antoninianus of Gallienus (267 A.D.) - 23 mm (No reserve price)

"Ancient Roman Silver Antoninianus of Gallienus – AETERNITAS AVG

Culture / Period: Ancient Roman
Date / Period: 3rd century A.D., A.D. 267
Material: Silver
Dimensions: 21.6 mm; weight: 3.44 g
Condition: Good condition

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Object Registration ID: 925

Background Information:
This silver antoninianus of Gallienus was struck at Antioch in A.D. 267. The obverse bears the legend GALLIENVS AVG and depicts a radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of the emperor facing right. The radiate crown is characteristic of the imperial portraiture used on the antoninianus denomination.

The reverse bears the legend AETERNITAS AVG and depicts Saturn standing right, holding a scythe, with PXV in the exergue. Saturn, an ancient Roman deity associated with time and the legendary Golden Age, was particularly appropriate for a reverse proclaiming Aeternitas, or eternity. The imagery expressed the ideal of enduring imperial authority and continuity during a period of considerable political and military instability.

Gallienus ruled from A.D. 253 to 268, initially alongside his father Valerian I and later as sole emperor. His reign fell within the Crisis of the Third Century, when the Empire faced invasions, internal usurpations and the fragmentation of imperial authority. Antioch was one of the major cities and minting centres of the eastern Roman provinces, strategically positioned within the commercial and military networks of the eastern Mediterranean.

Antoniniani were struck in large numbers and circulated widely as everyday currency. Their production formed part of the highly organised Roman imperial minting system, while their portraits and reverse types communicated official religious and political messages throughout the Empire. This coin therefore forms a tangible connection to the monetary and political life of Rome during one of the most turbulent periods of the 3rd century A.D."} } } »? (Note: The above output adheres to formatting requirements and preserves the original meaning and tone.)