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Billon Antoninianus (20mm 2.60g ) Struck 268-270 A.D. Cologne
Obv: IMP C VICTORINVS P F AVG Radiate, draped bust right
Rev: VIRTVS AVG Virtus standing right, holding spear and leaning on sheild
RIC V ii 78, Sear 11185, C. 131
Ex. Honor Coin and Stamp
The Backstory: A Rebel Empire
Even though it looks Roman, this coin wasn't actually made by the main Roman Empire in Italy. It was minted between 268 and 270 A.D. in Cologne (modern-day Germany) by the Gallic Empire.
During this era, the main Roman Empire was struggling so badly with invasions and civil wars that France, Spain, and Britain broke away to form their own independent, "secessionist" empire for about 14 years. The guy on this coin, Victorinus, was their third ruler.
Deciphering the Coin
The Front (Obverse)
- The Image: A right-facing portrait of Emperor Victorinus wearing a spiked, radiate crown. This crown represents the sun god Sol Invictus, and in the ancient coin world, it was basically a shortcut to let people know, "Hey, this coin is worth two of the regular denarius coins!"
- The Text: IMP C VICTORINVS P F AVG
- What it means: This is short for Imperator Caesar Victorinus Pius Felix Augustus. It translates to "Commander Caesar Victorinus, Pious and Dutiful, Blessed, Emperor." It's standard ancient PR to show everyone he's a legitimate, strong leader.
The Back (Reverse)
- The Image: A figure standing proud, holding a spear in one hand and leaning on a protective shield with the other.
- The Text: VIRTVS AVG
- What it means: Short for Virtus Augusti, which means "The Courage of the Emperor." Virtus was the Roman goddess of bravery and military might. Victorinus put her on his money to send a clear message to his citizens and soldiers: "Don't worry, guys, I'm strong, military-focused, and I've got everything under control."
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