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Product Description
This ancient Roman bronze antoninianus coin was minted during the rule of emperor Gallienus between 253 and 268 AD. It is set in a hand made cast high-polished sterling silver pendant setting which perfectly compliments the rich earth tones of the coin's ancient bronze patina. The unisex style of the pendant setting makes this an equally suitable jewelry piece for wear by either a man or woman.
The reverse side of the coin is mounted facing out showing a detailed image of the Roman god Virtus standing in full battle armor on the left, handing a small winged Victory to Gallienus (on the right) who is holding a spear. Virtus was the god who represented bravery, courage and military strength. The inscription around him reads "VIRTVS AVGG". The back side of the pendant shows the obverse of the coin with a side profile image of the emperor, Gallienus.
A perfect gift for anyone who has (or will) weathered a personal challenge in their life requiring bravery, or a person who's line of work requires bravery such as military service, or first responders.
*** Chain is not included but may be purchased additionally, at the link below
ADD THE DISPLAYED SILVER THICK REVERSE ROPE CHAIN
GUARANTEE: ALL PURCHASES INCLUDE A WRITTEN AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATE
SETTING: 925 STERLING SILVER
COIN: ANTONINIANUS
COIN AGE: 253 - 268 A.D.
DIMENSIONS: 1" or 25 mm diameter overall
:::: Includes Gift Box
:::: Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET
MORE ANCIENT ROMAN COIN JEWELRY
HISTORY
Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus was Roman emperor with his father Valerian, from 253 to 260 AD, and alone from 260 to 268 AD. He ruled during the Crisis of the Third Century that nearly caused the collapse of the empire. He won numerous military victories against usurpers and Germanic tribes, but was unable to prevent the secession of important provinces. His 15-year reign was the longest in half a century.
Born into a wealthy and traditional senatorial family, Gallienus was the son of Valerian and Mariniana. Valerian became Emperor in September 253 and had the Roman Senate elevate Gallienus to the rank of Augustus. Valerian divided the empire between him and his son, with Valerian ruling the east and his son the west.
Gallienus was the first emperor to commission primarily cavalry units, the Comitatenses, that could be dispatched anywhere in the Empire in short order. He was also famous for issuing the Decree of Toleration to Christianity. The capture of his father Valerian in the year 259, forced Gallienus to issue the first official declaration of tolerance with regard to the Christians, restoring their places of worship and cemeteries, therefore implying a recognition of the property of the Church. However, the edict did not turn Christianity into an official religion.
The defeat and capture of Valerian at Edessa in 260 by the Sasanian Empire threw the Roman Empire into the chaos of civil war. Control of the whole empire passed to Gallienus. He defeated the eastern usurpers Macrianus Major and Lucius Mussius Aemilianus in 261–262 but failed to stop the formation of the breakaway Gallic Empire under general Postumus. Aureolus, another usurper, proclaimed himself emperor in Mediolanum in 268 but was defeated outside the city by Gallienus and besieged inside. While the siege was ongoing, Gallienus was assassinated, stabbed to death by the officer Cecropius, as part of a conspiracy.
