Romano-Celtic Bronze Barbarous Radiate Imitating an Antoninianus of Postumus

Object Description

A fine, ancient Romano-Celtic bronze ‘barbarous radiate’ coin, imitating a bronze antoninianus of the emperor Postumus. He ruled over the Gallic Empire, a splinter state of the Roman Empire, from AD 260-269. The obverse features the radiate and cuirassed bust of the emperor, with his characteristic features, such as his straight nose, rounded cheeks, and long beard, facing right. The accompanying legend reads IMP C POSTVMVS [P F AVG], short for Imperator Caesar Postumus Pius Felix Augustus. This can be translated as supreme commander (Imperator) Caesar Postumus Pius Fortunate emperor (Augustus). The reverse displays the goddess Pax, draped, standing left. She raises her right hand and holds a transverse sceptre in her left. The accompanying legend reads PAX AVG, short for Pax Augusti, meaning Peace of the August.

Date: Circa 3rd Century AD

Object Condition

Very fine condition, with the images and legends still clearly visible. A dark patina and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as scratches, to the surface.

Object Details