Postumus, 261-269, Antoninianus

Postumus, antoninianus, AR, reign 261–269, mint of Lugdunum (Lyon), 261–269, 2.81 g, 20 mm. Obverse with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus right; legend IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG. Reverse Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre; legend PAX AVG. Struck from centered dies; legends largely complete and clearly readable. Reference: RIC V Postumus 79.

Struck under Postumus, commander in Gaul who established the breakaway Gallic Empire during the mid-third-century crisis, this antoninianus reflects the regime’s emphasis on stability and security in the western provinces. The reverse type with Pax advertises restored peace as a political message, while the issue from Lugdunum indicates the continued operation of major imperial mints under Gallic control and the need to supply pay and currency for the Rhine frontier armies and regional administration.