AD 260-269 Romano-Gallic Empire Antoninianus of Postumus NGC XF

Ancient Coins From The Man Who Made Himself A King

• COINS FROM THE SHORT-LIVED GALLIC EMPIRE - These coins were struck by the Romano-Gallic Empire, a short-lived empire that broke away from the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. The breakaway empire controlled what is today France and areas west of the Rhine River from about AD 260 to 274.
• STRUCK MORE THAN 1,750 YEARS AGO - Each coin was struck during the reign of Emperor Postumus, one of the most powerful men of the Roman Empire who was ultimately murdered by his troops for refusing to allow them to sack a city.
• HIGH-GRADE ANCIENT COINS - Your AD 260-269 Romano-Gallic Empire Billon Double Denarius of Postumus has been certified and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in Extremely Fine (XF) condition a high grade for such an old coin that was struck in a critical moment in world history.
• HAND-SELECTED FOR QUALITY AND APPEARANCE - Each Romano-Gallic Empire Billon Antoninianus Double Denarius coin was hand-selected by experts in ancient coinage for overall sharpness and eye appeal.
• SEALED IN A PROTECTIVE HOLDER - Your coin has been sonically sealed in an acrylic holder with a white display core—giving you the best in protection while granting clear sightlines into every beautiful detail.

The Crisis of the Third Century was a dark time for the Roman Empire. Lasting from about AD 235 to 284, it saw the empire nearly collapse due to invasions, rebellions and a multitude of usurpers for the title of emperor almost too numerous to name. One usurper, Postumus, almost made it stick. He was ultimately done in, however, by his own aversion to unnecessary violence and cruelty. An extremely competent general and administrator who proclaimed himself emperor of Gaul (modern-day France), Postumus ruled his domain almost unchecked for nearly a decade.

The General Who Led A Coup And Created The Gallic Empire

The sequence of events that elevated Postumus to his exalted position began in 260 when Emperor Valerian was captured by forces of the Sassanid Empire of Persia. That left Valerian's son Gallienus as the sole emperor and in control of both the eastern and western halves of the empire. Taking advantage of the instability in Rome, Postumus was proclaimed emperor of Gaul by his troops and fought off a pair of campaigns led by Gallienus. Since Postumus never sought to march on Rome or gain control of the entire empire, Gallienus instead focused his attention on the invasions in the east. Postumus met his end when he was challenged by one of his own generals. After defeating the usurper Laelianus at the battle of Mogontiacum (modern-day Mainz, Germany) in 268, Postumus was killed by his own troops because he forbade them to sack the city. Without the steady hand of Postumus to guide it, the Romano-Gallic Empire quickly declined. The short-lived break-away Empire was finally retaken by Emperor Aurelian in 274.

Symbol Of Imperial Strength

This stunning Antoninianus or Double Denarius of Romano-Gallic Emperor Postumus was struck from AD 260 to 269, from billon, a metallic alloy containing bronze with a thin coating of silver. It shows a portrait of a crowned Postumus wearing a ceremonial Roman armored chest cuirass, the top of which can just be seen at the base of his neck. The legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG meaning "Commander Caesar Postumus: Pious, Happy Emperor" has been engraved around the rim of the coin. The coin's reverse depicts Hercules standing right, holding club, lion skin, and bow accompanied by the inscription F HERC DEVSONIENSI which means "The Hercules of Deuso" referring to the town of Deuso, which was located near modern Dutch city of Diessen, where it is believed Postumus was born.

Hurry! Add This Museum-Quality Piece To Your Collection While You Still Can!

This was one of the last Roman coins to contain silver as the Empire went broke and debased its currency. Each coin available in this offer has been certified and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in Extremely Fine (XF) condition and exhibits a remarkable strike and surface conditions. Plus, each coin available here comes in a wood box with storycard. Act now and add this museum-quality piece to your collection today before you find yourself amidst the Crisis of the 21st Century!