Gold Aureus of Postumus, 5.98 g.

Gold Aureus of Postumus, 5.98 g.

Postumus

264 CE

Obverse: Cuirassed and helmeted bust of Postumus facing left; POSTVMVS AVG(VSTVS): Postumus Augustus.

Reverse: Victoria standing right, left foot on rocks, writing VOT(A)/X on shield; QVINQVENNALES POSTVMI AVG(VSTI): quinquennalia of Postumus Augustus.

Style/Period: Roman Empire

When Gallienus' father and co-emperor, Valerian, was captured by the Persians at Edessa, the obscure Marcus Cassianus Latinius Postumus, in charge of a force on the Rhine, was acclaimed Augustus by his troops. His separatist empire included not only Gaul but also eventually Britain and northern Spain. He ruled there for eight years, waging constant wars against the Germans. His troops murdered him in 269 CE, when he captured Mainz and forbade them to plunder the city.
Postumus employed excellent die-cutters, and they developed a series of fine, boldly individualized portraits. This aureus celebrates the fifth anniversary of his reign in 264 CE. Postumus, who identified himself with Hercules and who is described by his admiring biographer, Trebellius Pollio, as a dashing character, is shown with an elaborate crested helmet, his upturned nose giving him a somewhat foreign and impetuous look. The reverse depicts Victoria inscribing Vot(a) X on a shield, reference to vows anticipating a tenth anniversary of his reign.
-- Carol L. Lawton

Bibliography: P.H. Webb, The Roman Imperial Coinage V.2 (London 1933) 35.

Former collection of Ottilia Buerger. Purchased from Bank Leu, May 26, 1988.

91.227

Wriston Art Center Galleries, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI,wriston-gallery@lawrence.edu,920-832-6890

Roman, Empire, Postumus, Victoria, shield