POSTUMUS (260-269)

Marcus Cassianius Latinius Postumus

"Imperium Galliarum" A Roman usurper during the reign of Emperor Gallienus, his rule was confined to the so-called Gallic Empire, which included the Roman territories of Gaul, Germania, Britain, and Spain. He styled himself as the Restorer of Gaul (Restitutor Galliarum).

Around 260 CE, Postumus, the governor of the province of Germania, rebelled against Gallienus' son Saloninus and ordered his execution. On the territory he controlled, Postumus established an empire independent of Rome (Imperium Galliarum), complete with its own senate, consuls, and a currency that was more valuable than the official Roman coinage.

Postumus was killed by his own soldiers, who mutinied after he forbade them from plundering the captured city of Mainz. His empire collapsed a few years after his death.

Obverse: Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to right, IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG

Reverse: Moneta standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left, MONETA AVG

Mint: Colonia Agrippinensis, 263 A.D.

Weight: 3,45 g

Diameter: 22mm

Provenance: Leu Numismatik, ex Artemide 50E, 29 February 2020, 514 

Reference : 49.1 RIC V 75, RSC 199a

Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 06 - Military Anarchy p.2