Topican imagery on the coinage of Roman emperor Florian (276 A.D.)
Topican imagery on the coinage of Roman emperor Florian (276 A.D.)

Summary/Abstract: In order to discuss the subject of Florian’s coinage and to indicate the uniqueness of the problem in the area of studies dedicated to coinage of the second half of the 3rd century, the author takes three key steps: 1) determining the typological structure of the coinage of Florian's in terms of percentage based on the analysis of the content of monetary treasures, 2) ascribing particular monetary types to broader thematic categories, 3) comparing the hierarchy of the thematic categories and monetary types in the coinage of Florian with those characterizing the coinages of others emperors governing in the years 268—276 A.D. Material covering 778 silver Florian’s coins coming from 11 big monetary hoards provided the basis for the analysis. A collection of 28 gold Florian’s coins, as well as his single medallions, complemented the study material and allowed for precise conclusions. The material for retrospective and comparative studies comprised 46,186 silver coins minted in the times of Claudius II, Quintillus, Aurelian, and Tacitus. A comparative analysis of topics dealt with in Florian’s coinage and those in the coinage of of his predecessors proves that the coin images made representing emperor Florian were reflected in all conventional dreams of a ruler equipped with virtus and guaranteeing the prosperity in the empire. Moreover, the coins messages present a strong dependence of the emperor on the army.

• Details
• Contents