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AR Antoninianus (22mm, 2.82g) Struck AD 251-253 Mediolanum(Milan)
Obv: IMP C C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG Radiate and draped bust right
Rev: IVNO MARTIALIS Juno seated left holding ears of corn and scepter
RIC 69, Sears-9631
ex. Harry Stewart Collection
The Basics
- Denomination: Antoninianus (originally meant to be a "double denarius," though by this time its silver content was heavily diluted, or debased).
- Where it was made: Mediolanum (modern-day Milan, Italy). This was an important military hub used to protect the empire's northern borders.
The Front (Obverse): Meet the Emperor
The front features a portrait of Trebonianus Gallus looking to the right.
- The Spiky Crown: Notice the spiky crown he is wearing? That is a radiate crown (representing the rays of the sun god). In Roman currency, this spiky crown was the shorthand code for "this coin is an antoninianus and is worth two denarius."
- The Text (Inscription): IMP C C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG
- This is an abbreviation for Imperator Caesar Caius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus Augustus.
- It translates to: "Commander Caesar Caius Vibius Trebonianus Gallus, the Supreme Ruler." It's his official royal resume stamped right into the metal!
The Back (Reverse): A Prayer for Protection?
The back features a seated goddess with the inscription IVNO MARTIALIS (Juno Martialis, or "Juno the Mother Of Mars" or Juno of March).
The Imagery: Juno (the queen of the Roman gods) is shown sitting down, holding ears of corn/wheat in one hand and a royal scepter in the other
IVNO MARTIALIS only appears during the brief joint reigns of Trebonianus Gallus and his son Volusian (251–253 CE).
Why "Martialis"? (The Theories)
The epithet Martialis literally means "of Mars" or "warlike". Naturally, you’d expect to see Juno rocking a spear, a helmet, or a shield (like Juno Sospita). Instead, the coins usually show a perfectly peaceful Juno:
Why would Trebonianus Gallus introduce a brand-new, unique title for Juno and then depict her with agricultural/peaceful attributes? Scholars have a few theories:
- The Plague Appeasement: During Gallus's reign, the devastating Plague of Cyprian was tearing through the empire. In Roman mythology, Juno was associated with the air and atmosphere. Because the Romans believed the plague was carried by corrupted air, Gallus may have been desperately trying to appease Juno to clear the pestilence and bring back the food supply (hence the grain).
- The Mother of Mars: It could simply honor Juno in her role as the mother of Mars. By honoring the mother of the war god, a militarily insecure emperor like Gallus might hope to win the loyalty and strength of the legions.
- The Hometown Connection: Trebonianus Gallus came from Perusia (modern Perugia). Juno was heavily worshipped there as Juno Perusina. It’s highly possible Juno Martialis was a localized variant or a specific temple title from his home turf that he brought to the imperial stage.
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