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Figure 1: Obverse
Gallienus with a cuirassed neck wearing a radiate crown

Krmnicek, Stefan. RIC V Gallienus 618a. Silver, 21mm. Institute of Classical Archaeology at the University of Tübingen. https://www.ikmk.uni-tuebingen.de/object?id=ID2605.

This is a silver Roman coin minted in Asia between 266 and 268 AD. On the obverse (front) side of the coin is a bust (side view) of Gallienus with a cuirassed neck wearing a radiate crown. Additionally, this side displays the legend (lettering) “GALLIENUS AVG” around the edges of the coin. On the reverse (back) side of the coin Gallienus is wearing a toga and performing a sacrifice out of a patera held over a tripod. Gallienus is also holding a spear or scepter in his other hand, and the legend “PIETAS AVG” can also be seen recorded around the edges of the coin (American Numismatic Society).

Cole Jacob. February 27, 2024. Silver, 20mm. DePauw University Classics Department.

The standardized currency of the Roman Empire facilitated trade and exchange. However, Roman emperors such as Gallienus (Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus) recognized the potential these coins held beyond a unit of currency. In particular, through images hammered on coins, emperors were able to spread and communicate ideas throughout the Roman Empire in hopes of gaining or maintaining power (Claes 2017, 253-285). For example, this silver coin (RIC V Gallienus 618) minted by Gallienus, who reigned as emperor from 253-268 AD, held this same goal with the more specific intention of boosting his public image by displaying himself as an exemplar of pietas (duty to gods, nation, and family) who fulfills his militaristic and religious responsibilities (Mennen 2011, 255).

In order to effectively understand different aspects of the coin it is important to first understand the political environment during Gallienus’ rule. During his sole rule, starting in 260 AD, the empire was in danger of splitting up, and it became clear that Gallienus was no longer organizing military conflicts (i.e., pursuing conquest), but was instead only reacting to events (Mennen 2011, 32). As a result, his passive approach was noticed by others in power as well as by the empire’s inhabitants. This had a negative impact on Gallienus’ image as people began to view the emperor as less of a problem solver (Mennen 2011, 241). With questions of his legitimacy as an emperor, it became increasingly important for Gallienus to project a strong image. The images displayed on this silver coin (RIC V Gallienus 618) reflect these motivations (Mennen 2011, 241).

By the end of the reign of Augustus, coins of the Roman world had two stylistic variants. First was verism which is extreme naturalism. This means depicting the image of the emperors with hyper detail. The other, classicism, emphasized the ideal aspects of an emperor’s image. This method was used to depict emperors in their ideal form both physically and symbolically. Gallienus, aiming to better his public image, chose the classicizing portrait for many of his coins including this one (Salmon 2022, 130). On the obverse side of the coin in fig. 3, Gallienus’ portrait contains no imperfections. These could come in the form of exaggerations like a prominent chin or ears, or that of aging, such as shaggy hair or wrinkles. Additionally, his name is hammered around the edges of the coin (“GALLIENUS AVG”). Both of these elements serve to remind citizens of his position as supreme ruler.

Another important element to notice in the portrait of Gallienus is his neck. He does not have a bare neck, as seen by the design at the bottom of his portrait in fig. 3. Instead, his neck is covered with a draped cuirass (torso and neck armor). First emerging during Nero’s reign, this draped style stressed Gallienus’ militaristic duty as an emperor. This militaristic role is also highlighted on the reverse of the coin in fig. 4. On this side Gallienus is depicted holding a spear/scepter which also serves as a reminder of the authority of physical coercion. Additionally, this acts as another representation of pietas through fulfillment of his imperialistic duties such as sacrifice for his nation (Salmon 2002, 132).

On the reverse, the coin displays Gallienus possibly performing a sacrifice with a tripod to his left. By demonstrating himself performing a religious ceremony of some kind, Galleinus aimed to express his pietas through his commitment to the gods. (Salmon 2002, 129) Religious references displayed on coinage were a common imperial strategy by emperors to advertise their rule and maintain religious and political power. This theme is echoed by the legend “PIETAS AVG” (Augusti) which surrounds the edge of the coin and translates as “duty of the emperor.” Influenced by Augustus’ reign, hence “Augusti,” this legend attempted to emphasize Gallienus’ commitment to his virtue-based responsibility toward his nation (pietas).

Inspired by and reflective of styles created by Augustus, this Gallienus coin has many intentionally designed images and phrases intended to elevate his public image and maintain power by displaying his pietas. To do this, the coin features images that contain imperial and religious symbolism, as well as reminders of Gallienus’ authority through its classicism design and the legends displayed on both sides of the coin.

Bibliography

American Numismatic Society. “RIC V Gallienus 618.” Accessed May 6, 2024. http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.5.gall(2).618.

Claes, Liesbeth. 2015. “Coins with power? Imperial and Local Messages on the Coinage of the Usurpers of the Second Half of the Third Century (AD 253-285).” Jaarboek voor Munt- en Penningkunde.

Luce, T. J. 1968. “Political Propaganda on Roman Republican Coins: Circa 92-82 B. C.” American Journal of Archaeology 72, no. 1: 25–39. https://doi.org/10.2307/501820.

Mennen, Inge. 2011. Power and Status in the Roman Empire, AD 193-284. Leiden: BRILL. Salmon,

Edward Togo, Michael Lerardi, and George M. Paul. 2002. Roman Coins and Public Life Under the Empire. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.