"When in Rome": Real Ancient Coin Necklace (Gallienus/Virtus)

*Note: These coins are identified to the best of my ability using any letters/symbols that are visibly available, and searching against a numismatic database. Please note that while I try incredibly hard to correctly identify them, I am just a hobbyist -- not an expert. Each coin is hand cleaned by me in a process that takes months of soaking, toothpicking, and toothbrushing. Colorization is natural patina from old age that is valued by coin collectors, and I have protected it with Renaissance wax. Because these coins are around 2000 years old and spend hundreds of years buried in the ground, there will be imperfections in surface, patina, and shape. My Roman coins that do not come from historical estates mostly come from Eastern Europe and are discovered in buried hoards by farmers tilling soil. 

Materials in Bezel/Bail/Chain: Sterling Silver

Chain and Closure: 16", dainty, lobster claw closure with small jump ring

Specific Coin Identification: RIC V Gallienus 534

Obverse: "GALLIENVS AVG"

Reverse: "VIRTVS AVG"

Emperor in Power: Gallienus

Emperor Bust on Coin: Gallienus

Deity/Image on Back: Virtus/soldier (personification of an emperor's valor and courage).

Mint Date: 260-268 CE. This coin is ~1,750 years old. 

Denomination: Antoninianus (Silver)

Story time!:

Meet Virtus, the physical manifestation of an emperor's fitness to rule (his valor and courage).

Funnily, although he was considered a strong warrior when he co-ruled with his father Valerian, Gallienus was considered by many people to be a coward WITHOUT virtue and valor when he "failed" to rescue his father from the Persians. Gallienus, however, delighted in finally having a solo rule. 

So, Gallienus was likely using this coin as propaganda, pleading with the people to accept him as a fit ruler! Simple, right? Nah. Gallienus' rule, albeit long for the time period, was riddled with uprisings and usurpers everywhere. People were not chill with being complacent. And unsurprisingly, Gallienus was murdered in 268 CE.