A bit underweight because of the missing flan part at 5 o'clock, but otherwise readable: Antoninianus, Gallia, Lugdunum 260/261 AD 19.5 x 21 mm; 2.857 g; 1h RIC V Postumus 73; Elmer 130, 186; AGK (corr.) 41; Cunetio 2385; RSC 167a; Sear III, 10958; Seaby 3114; Mairat 18; Postumus had built a powerful Rhine fleet with war galleys like the one depicted on this antoninianus. The Laetitia legend LAETITIA AVG, “the joy of the emperor” in this case indicates the importance of sea power in upholding the strength of the Roman-Gallic empire, and perhaps also refers to an imperial visit to Britannia in the early years of Postumus' reign (261 AD) or to the navigation of the Rhine. Ob.: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to r. Border of dots Rev.: LAETITIA / (A)VG (in exergue), War Galley going left over waves with four rowers and helmsman
A nice find from a lot. I wasn't aware of that little bit of history either but had noticed this particular type at auction. This was a spontaneous purchase at the London coin fair. Inexpensively filling a collection gap. Apologies for the poor image inexpertly stitched together on my phone.
