Denomination: Silver antoninianus (double denarius)

Period: Roman imperial

Date: AD 265-8

Origin: Cologne or Lugdunum (Lyon) mint

Condition: Very fine, a little loss to lower edge

Obverse: Radiate bust of Postumus, right, IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG

Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding long caduceus and cornucopia, FELICITAS AVG

Size and Weight: 20mm, 3.76g

References: Spink 10936 var, RIC 58 var

Features and Provenance: Postumus was proclaimed emperor by his troops in the provinces of Gaul, Germania, Britannia and Hispania, now known as the Gallic Empire, from 260. He established his capital, probably, in modern day Cologne. He set about restoring peace in Rome's outlying territories and was largely successful, and his coinage reflects this, being better made than his predecessor. After 10 years he was turned on by his own troops and killed. 

The antoninianus (apart from being a mouthful) was meant to be worth 2 denarii, but due to the debasement of the coin it never had twice as must silver content and led to hoarding of denarii. The metal is described as billon, a mixture of silver and a base metal such as copper. 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible