POSTUMUS, Usurper
AD 260-269
AE Antoninianus. 2.40g, 20.2mmMINTED: Cologne mint, AD 268
REF: RIC V 311
OBVERSE: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG, radiate draped bust right.
REVERSE: IOVI VICTORI, Jupiter standing right, hurling thunderbolt and holding sceptre.
Notes:Dark blackish brown surfaces. Well-centered; minor edge splits.
Historical Notes:
Postumus was one of the most successful of the 3rd century usurpers, establishing the break-away Gallic Empire. He was the imperial legate of Lower Germany under Emperor Valerian, and when the latter was defeated and captured by the Persians, Postumus's troops proclaimed him Augustus against Valerian's son and co-ruler, Gallienus. Gallienus's repeated attempts to crush Postumus's revolt never succeeded, and from 260 to 269, Postumus ruled over Gaul, Germany, Raetia, Britannia and Hispania. Interestingly, the coins he struck were often of higher quality and better style than those of Gallienus.
