Postume Antoninien

Hi all, Just got this one from Lille, France. Don't know a lot about it. As the description was written in French. Postume Antoninien (260-269 ad). Cohen 295. Roman Empire. Billion wt.3.60 g. vf+. I love this coin. You guys really have me going for these ancients. So much to learn here. I checked Wikipedia for info. but to no avail....

 

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"Postume" is french for "Postumus", search again.

 

Well, and "antoninien" means "antoninianus" a denomination for the double denarius value that this coin was supposed to represent. Cohen is an old catalogue reference number (but it is way too old now to use) and "Billion" means "low silver content".

 

The reverse is Providentia making the attribution:
Postumus. Antoninianus. Lyons. IMP C POSTVMVS PF AVG, radiate, draped bust right / PROVIDETIA AVG, Providentia standing left, holding globe and transverse sceptre. RIC V-II Lyons 80

It's not a very good image, so the coin looks like it has been overcleaned. Otherwise, it's a decent coin for the type.

 

Your's is nice. I wanted one for my collection. Don't have in hand yet. Some members might recognise this pic, it is seller photo. Not as nice as yours 49er. It's a little different variation I think.

 

I agree the image is a bit harsh but I suspect the coin is quite nice (assuming I am reading photo problems as different from coin problems). These low silver content antoniniani tend to photograph harshly if too much contrast or saturation is used and many low end cameras and most phones pep up their images this way. I would consider it a fine addition to my collection had I been lucky enough to find it.
https://www.cngcoins.com/Search.asp...1&SEARCH_IN_CONTAINER_TYPE_ID_4=1&VIEW_TYPE=0
The above shows four examples sold by a major firm (CNG) for rather different prices. You will find that this is pretty standard for ancient coins but these listings should enable you to attribute it fully in English. Enjoy the hobby.

 

@Smojo your reverse is Pax

 

Yes holding branch in hand & scepter in other

 

I like it!

 

Great coin, OP. That is one handsome portrait of Postumus.

Hey, i just learned while researching the OP's coins that some of Postumus' coins were actually silver. I may have to buy one then. I've always been fascinated by the Gallic Empire, but haven't looked into coinage thinking it was all devalued billion and bronze.

You know what I always say..."If it ain't silver, I ain't buying."

 

Old49ers with Providential on reverse is on my list as well. Hope to find one in as good condition. Won't be this month though.

 

I used to say about the same thing. I do stay away from clad though. Does that still count?

 

It's a very nice coin, old49er, Postumus with Providentia reverse. The obverses typically have better strikes as the obverse die was the anvil, or stationary die. Reverses are generally weak. The reverse on your coin is exceptionally good.

 

What a fine example. Congrats, enjoy.

 

Yours has great provenance, it's a mossy bottom barn hoard coin which I had to pry from the finders hands as he had set all postumus billon aside as not for sale!!
He told me the full story of the find.
Very cool coin!!!!

 

When Postumus got Hispania to his cause, he her mines too. They even had a little silver over the official central empire antoninianus for a bit...
Later he began debasing it and well, he lost Hispania. You know the rest.

 

Thanks for the info, Yes, I think the coin was in too much glaring light. Here's a better pic, with less light. This coin, has a great rainbow toning in hand ,in bright light.

 

Thank you for the info.

 

LOL, Yes it is. Believe me I did research before I bid. When I saw on J''s list it was the 1st coin I went after. This is the best image I've seen of it. I'm still learning the ancient coins. This is one I can mark off my want list.
Thanks for getting & giving me the opportunity. I already have the holder & display for it.

 

[QUOTE="YOC, post: 2453150, member: 58941"
He told me the full story of the find.
Very cool coin!!!![/QUOTE]
I would love to hear/read it.