Antoninian of Gallienus, struck at the Rome mint in AD 253, belongs to the earliest phase of issues from his joint reign with his father, Valerian I. Coinage of this moment reflects the deliberate construction of a new imperial message, in which dynastic unity and the restoration of stability after a period of rapid political upheaval were strongly emphasized.
The obverse presents a radiate, draped and cuirassed bust facing right, with the legend IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG, giving his full titulature as imperator and augustus. The radiate crown indicates the antoninianus denomination, which at this time remained the principal silver coin in circulation.
The reverse depicts Pax standing left, holding an olive branch and sceptre, with the legend PAX AVGG. Pax, as the personification of peace, was a central theme in imperial propaganda, particularly at the beginning of a reign, when expectations of restored order and the end of conflict were actively promoted.
The plural form AVGG refers explicitly to the two Augusti Valerian I and Gallienus and serves as a clear statement of shared rule and concord between them. This type is well documented within the early coinage of Gallienus and forms part of a broader ideological program centered on peace as the foundation of renewed imperial authority.
Roman Imperial
Gallienus (253-268), Antoninianus 253, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG
Reverse: Pax standing left, holding branch and sceptre
PAX AVGG
Diameter 22 mm, weight 2.84 g
