Aureolus & Postumus Bronze — A Rebel General's Gamble That Changed Roman History

Own a Rebellion Bronze—Struck by a Roman General in Italy Bearing a Rival Emperor's Portrait

A real bronze coin struck by Aureolus in the name of Postumus—one of the rarest and most historically unusual issues of the Third Century Crisis. Minted in northern Italy by Gallienus's senior cavalry commander during his revolt, it bears the portrait of the Gallic emperor rather than Aureolus himself, preserving one of the most remarkable political gambles in Roman history. NGC certified.

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📷 Coin shown is a representative example. You will receive one authentic NGC-certified bronze coin struck by Aureolus in the name of Postumus. Each coin is unique and will vary in strike, centering, preservation, patina, and overall appearance.

⚔️ Struck by Aureolus during his revolt against Gallienus, bearing the portrait and titles of Postumus rather than his own

🏛 Minted in northern Italy while honoring the ruler of the Gallic Empire, creating one of the most geographically unusual Roman coin issues ever produced

🤲 Struck in AD 268 during one of the most chaotic years of the Third Century Crisis, when emperors, generals, and breakaway kingdoms struggled for control of the Roman world

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Few Roman coins tell a story as extraordinary as the issues struck by Aureolus in the name of Postumus.

By AD 268, Aureolus was among the empire's most powerful military commanders. As commander of Gallienus's elite cavalry reserve, he had spent years defeating usurpers and defending the empire during the worst years of the Third Century Crisis.

Then he rebelled.

Instead of following the familiar path of proclaiming himself emperor, Aureolus chose something unprecedented. From his mint in northern Italy, he struck coins naming Postumus, ruler of the breakaway Gallic Empire, as emperor. The message was unmistakable: Aureolus was inviting Postumus to join him in overthrowing Gallienus and creating a new political order.

It was a bold gamble.

Gallienus immediately marched against Aureolus and besieged him inside Milan. Postumus, however, never came. Whether he distrusted Aureolus, lacked the opportunity, or simply had no desire to invade Italy remains uncertain. The alliance Aureolus had counted on never materialized.

During the siege, events took another dramatic turn. Gallienus himself was assassinated by officers within his own army, bringing his fifteen-year reign to an abrupt end. Aureolus briefly hoped the new emperor, Claudius II Gothicus, might negotiate.

Instead, Claudius continued the siege.

Aureolus surrendered and was executed soon afterward, ending one of the most unusual rebellions in Roman history.

His coinage survives as the physical evidence of that failed political gamble. Minted in Italy but honoring the emperor of the Gallic Empire, these coins represent one of the rare occasions in Roman numismatics where a rebel general openly declared loyalty to another emperor rather than claiming the throne himself.

More than an ancient bronze, this is a surviving artifact from one of the most complex and fascinating episodes of the Third Century Crisis.

Perfect For

• Collectors of the Third Century Crisis
• Collectors of the Gallic Empire and Postumus
• History lovers fascinated by Aureolus and Gallienus
• Enthusiasts of rare Roman rebel coinage
• Anyone seeking one of the most historically unusual bronze coins of the Roman Empire

What You'll Receive

• One authentic bronze coin struck by Aureolus in the name of Postumus
• Civilization: Roman Empire / Gallic Empire
• Date: AD 268
• Denomination: AE Bronze
• Struck in northern Italy during Aureolus's revolt
• NGC certified for authenticity and preservation
• Presented in an NGC holder
• Representative example of the type (each coin is unique)

Continue the Story

The rebellion of Aureolus lasted only months, but it unfolded during one of the most dramatic years in Roman history. Gallienus was assassinated, Aureolus was executed, Claudius II Gothicus became emperor, and within a few years Aurelian would reunite the fractured empire by destroying both the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires.

Explore our other Roman, Byzantine, Biblical, Greek, medieval, and world coin collections to continue your journey through the rulers, battles, and turning points that shaped history.

Buy with Confidence

• NGC certified for authenticity and preservation
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
• Secure shipping from the U.S.

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Learn More

Continue the story in the Kinzer Coins Journal: Roman Usurpers & Their Coins: Rival Emperors Collector’s Guide.