Antoninianus of Victorinus (RIC V 117)

Antoninianus of Victorinus (RIC V 117), struck in billon at Trier between AD 269 and 271 under the reign of the Gallic emperor Marcus Piavonius Victorinus. 2.73g; 21 mm. Obverse legend MP C PIAV VICTORINVS P F AVG shows a radiate, cuirassed bust right; die axis usually about 6 o'clock. Reverse legend PAX AVG depicts Pax standing left holding olive branch and transverse scepter, flanked by mintmark V-* in the fields. Surviving specimens are strike-made on irregular, slightly debased flans and often display grey-silver surface toning over darker bronze core. Reference: RIC V Victorinus 117.

Issued during the separatist Gallic Empire, this antoninianus helped finance Victorinus's defense of Gaul and Britain after the death of Postumus. The PAX reverse proclaims a hoped-for internal stability despite continuing pressures from Germanic incursions and Roman attempts at reconquest. Its low silver content exemplifies the accelerating monetary debasement of the third-century crisis.