Postumus, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 260-269. Antoninianus (Billon, 22 mm, 3.97 g, 12 h), Cologne, summer 260. IMP C M CASS LAT POSTIMVS (sic!) P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to right. Rev. SALVS PROVINCIARVM The river-god Rhenus, without horns, reclining to left and holding reed, resting his right hand on prow and his left arm on water-urn. AGK (corr.) 87a. Cunetio 2367. Elmer -. RIC -. Very rare. Well struck and without the usual weakness, an unusually complete example. The obverse struck very slightly off center, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


This coin is part of the first emission of Postumus, issued immediately after the downfall of Saloninus and the capture of the Cologne mint. The portrait is still reminiscent of Gallienus and the full name of the new emperor is given to announce the change in government. It was only in the 1983 Cunetio hoard publication, however, that the consistent spelling error POSTIMVS of the usurper's first emission was first noticed, a curious mistake that offers us a glimpse of the turmoil and confusion that must have surrounded the regime change. After the situation had calmed down, the mint started crafting new dies with a more accurate portrait and what would become the standard, shortened IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG titulature - this time without any spelling errors!