2022-05-20 Fri

Laelian or Laelianus was a usurper against Postumus, the emperor of the Gallic Empire. He was known for a revolt against Postumus – the founder of the Romano-Gallic Empire.

Laelianus was a Spaniard who had been appointed by Postumus to a governorship in Germany. He revolted at Mainz with two legions under his command, seemingly while Postumus was busy defending his eastern border against an invasion by the Roman Emperor Claudius II. Laelianus’ coins bear distinctive portraits of the rebel, engraved in the style of his opponent Postumus.

This particular Silvered bronze coin struck at the mint Cologne features a radiate and cuirassed bust of Laelianus on the obverse facing right. The reverse depicts Victory advancing right, holding a wreath in her right hand and palm over her left shoulder which is a depiction of his victory over Postumus.

Image Courtesy: coinarchives.com