Postumus, 261-269, Double Sestertius

Postumus, Double Sestertius, AE, reign 261-269 AD, mint of Lugdunum (Lyon), 18.50 g, 32 mm. Obverse with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus right; legend IMP C M CASS LAT POSTVMVS P F AVG. Reverse with Fides standing left, holding standards; legend FIDES MILITVM; SC in field. Bold imperial portraiture with clear legends; reverse devices well defined, with typical surface and fabric for the Gallic mint issues of the period. RIC V (Postumus) 123.

Struck during the breakaway Gallic Empire, this double sestertius reflects Postumus’ efforts to secure legitimacy and military support in the western provinces amid the third-century imperial crisis. The reverse type FIDES MILITVM emphasizes the loyalty of the army, a central requirement for sustaining his rule outside the authority of Rome, while the large AE denomination represents an attempt to maintain traditional bronze coinage forms despite ongoing monetary disruption.