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Antoninianus - Postumus MERCVRIO FELICI
| Issuer | Gallic Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 266 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Mercury stands facing, his head turned to the right, depicted in the classical manner as divine patron of commerce and good fortune. In his extended right hand he holds a purse, symbolising prosperity, while his left hand grasps a caduceus, the herald's staff entwined with serpents. The reverse legend MERCVRIO FELICI is disposed in the field around the figure, invoking the favour of the deity for the emperor and the Gallic Empire. |
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| Additional information |
Postumus founded the breakaway Gallic Empire in 260 AD after capturing and almost certainly executing Saloninus, the young son of Gallienus, at Cologne. He ruled for nearly a decade without ever marching on Rome — an unusual restraint that has puzzled historians. His mint output was prodigious and relatively well-organized, maintaining silver content in his billon issues at levels that outperformed contemporary Roman imperial coinage, which likely sustained confidence in his regime across Gaul, Britain, and Spain.
RIC V.1 #313 is a reasonably well-attested type from his middle period, well before his assassination by his own troops in 269 following his refusal to allow the sack of Mainz.