Gallienic and Roman Coins as Propaganda
The distinguishing stylistic feature of all Roman and Gallic third
century coins is the identical appearance of their obverse
types. 
At right is a 238-244 antoninianus of Gordian III. The draped, radiate bust is
relatively detailed and provides somewhat of an individualized portrait. The simple
obverse legend, IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, is almost identical to the other coins
in the hoard. This standardization does not allow us to say much about these coins,
other than they were likely vehicles for announcing the accession of new emperors,
since emperors frequently changed during this period.
The reverse sides of the coins are a different
story. While the obverses were all nearly identical in theme, the reverses of
this period have three common themes: military might, safety/prosperity, and
religious themes (Schultz 10). Whether or not these themes are propaganda designed
to quell the troubles that government suffered during this period, I cannot
say, as there is no direct historical or archaeological evidence. Nevertheless,
the connections between the Roman coin themes and the third-century crisis are
likely more than just a coincidence.
It should finally be noted that there are no
real differences between the Roman and Gallic coins. In fact, Postumus' coins
seem to be even more Roman than his predecessors and contemporaries!
This indicates that the Gallic rebellion was not based on any sort of provincial
culture, but on a shared Roman culture of military, trade, and polytheism.
Reverse Themes of Military Might
- Gordian III
- Gallienus
- Postumus (coin
2)
The reverses of all these coins associate the emperors
with victory and military might. Postumus' coin specifically associates him with
Hercules the Peacemaker. Emphasizing this theme would be a critical component
of any emperor who wished to rule during this violent period. However, I doubt
that a victory was ever won by issuing a coin stressing the emperor's military
might.
Reverse Themes of Safety/Prosperity
- Postumus (coin
1)
- Victorinus
The reverses of these coins attempt to associate
the emperors with safety and prosperity. Postumus presents himself as "Providentia
Augustus," implying that the force of Providentia is associated with his reign
as emperor. Victorinus associates himself with Salus, the goddess of safety and
health, implying that his reign will bring the same.
Reverse Themes of Religion
- Valerian II
- Tetricus II
These coins' reverses associate these emperors
with religious themes. Valerian is connected to Jupiter, while Tetricus is associated
with some priestly instruments. Interestingly enough, both of these emperors are
the young co-regent sons of the main emperors.
On one level, I would like to believe that
these coins actually functioned as propaganda. However, considering that these
coins were increasingly worthless and responsible for the economic woes of the
empire, I find it hard to believe that they worked. It is easy to argue that
the coins were intended by the emperors to work as propaganda. However
it is much harder and much less believable that the coins actually influenced
people. A rather worthless coin with Victorinus
and Salus on it would make an imperial subject rather skeptical of the fact
that two were associated. Nevertheless, these coins are still useful for looking
at imperial propaganda themes of the time.
Created by Michael
Freedman-Schnapp
A project for ARTH 491: Roman Art
University of Virginia; Charlottesville,
Virginia.
Last updated April 25, 2001.