罗马帝国. 加利纳斯 （253-268）. Antoninianus VIRTVS AVG - Soldier with Shield and Spear (没有保留价)

An appealing and dynamic silver antoninianus struck during the sole reign of Emperor Gallienus, celebrating military virtue (*Virtus*), an essential cardinal attribute for the survival of the Empire amidst the severe political and military crises of the third century.

Emperor: Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus)
Denomination: Antoninianus (Double Denarius)
Composition: Billon / Silver (Reduced sole-reign standard)
Weight: 3.55g.
Diameter: Approx. 20.0 mm – 21.0 mm
Mint: Rome
Date of Issue: Sole Reign (c. 260–268 AD)

Catalog References: **RIC V 668**; RSC 1297

Obverse (A): Radiate bust of Gallienus facing right, surrounded by the official legend **GALLIENVS AVG**.

Reverse (R): **VIRTVS AVG**, featuring a Roman soldier standing left, holding a shield and a spear; distinguished by a star symbol in the left field.

Historical Context & Iconography:

The Propaganda of Military Virtue: The *Virtus Augusti* theme was frequently utilized on imperial coinages to project the image of Gallienus as a resilient, active warrior-emperor capable of defending fractured borders against external invaders and internal usurpers.

The Star Control Mark: The inclusion of the star in the left field serves as an official officina or emission control mark, adding specialized numismatic interest for collectors studying the complex workshop organization of Rome during the Crisis of the Third Century.