Postumus, Romano-Gallic Emperor, 260-269. 'Double Sestertius' (Orichalcum, 34 mm, 23.45 g), uncertain mint. [ ... ] C POSTVMVS P [ ... ] Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Postumus to right. Rev. [LAETITIA] / AVG Small galley (navis lusoriae) rowing to left above waves. Somewhat rough and with some weakness and an edge split, otherwise, fine.


This double sestertius of Postumus was - like many of his bronzes - overstruck on an earlier issue, in this case a sestertius of Hadrian. The thick 2nd-century flan was evidently underheated: it not only split during striking, but the usurper’s portrait is scarcely discernible. The reverse die, moreover, was also struck with too little force, allowing the undertype - the head of the great philhellene - to remain clearly visible. The result is an almost dynastic-looking piece, as if Postumus were the senior Augustus, presenting Hadrian as his designated successor on the reverse.