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 shows a radiate and draped bust facing right, with the legend IMP C TETRICVS P F AVG, presenting his full titulature as Pius Felix Augustus. Issues attributed to Gallic workshops of this period are characterized by noticeable schematization and simplified engraving, a feature confirmed by stylistic analyses of late Gallic coinage.
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.
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 2.99 g
