Antoninian of Tetricus I (AD 271–274), struck at Colonia Agrippinensis or at a southern Gallic mint, belongs to the coinage of the final phase of the Gallic Empire, issued at a time when his authority still extended over much of the western provinces despite mounting pressure from Aurelian.
The obverse presents a radiate and draped bust facing right, with the legend IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG, giving his full titulature as Pius Felix Augustus.
The reverse depicts Pax standing left, holding an olive branch and sceptre, with the legend PAX AVG. Pax, as the personification of peace, formed part of the standard iconographic repertoire of imperial coinage and conveyed a direct ideological message referring to order and stability under the emperor’s rule.
The legend PAX AVG attributes peace to the emperor and reflects a broader propagandistic theme aimed at presenting his reign as a guarantee of stability, particularly significant in the historical context of the declining Gallic Empire.
Roman Imperial
Tetricus I (271–274), Antoninianus 271-274, Cologne or Southern Gallic mint
Obverse: radiate and draped bust right
IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG
Reverse: Pax standing left, holding olive branch and sceptre
PAX AVG
Diameter 18 mm, weight 2.25 g
