Roman Imperial Coins

Gallienus (A.D. 253-268) is a much maligned Roman emperor. Originally he ruled jointly with his father, Valerian I, until the latter was scandalously captured for life by the Sassanid Empire in A.D. 260. Throughout Gallienus’ reign he also faced natural disasters, disease and invasions on all sides. But most serious were at least 8 internal rebellions from his own governors and generals, the last one killed him! Even with these setbacks his impressive 15 years was by far the longest reign of the period called ‘The Crisis of the Third Century’. His reforms, such as a mobile field army, set the stage for the revival of the empire by others after he died. We have put together a small group of his billon silver Antoniniani with various reverses. The chaos of his reign famously meant the quality of his coins declined compared to earlier emperors. What makes these we offer so special is that the portraits are all clear and in Extremely Fine grade! And at a price we think you will agree is most fair, we got a good deal on these so we pass that saving on to you, don’t miss out...

Herennia Etruscilla, Wife of T. Decius., Rome - A.D. 250. AR Antoninianus. Diademed bust right on crescent / 'PVDICITIA AVG' Pudicitia stg. left holding sceptre & drawing veil across face. Very Fine & Scarce.

Herennius Etruscus as Caesar. A.D. 250-251., Rome. AR Antoninianus. Radiate bust right / 'PIETAS AVGVSTORVM' Priestly implements: sprinkler, simpulum, jug, patera, & lituus. Good Very Fine with better portait & Very Scarce.

Otacilia Severa. Wife of Philip I., Rome - A.D. 247-249. AR Antoninianus. Diademed bust right on crescent / 'CONCORDIA AVGG' Concordia seated left holding patera & double cornucopiae. Good Very Fine. The crescent is for the goddess Luna.

Philip I (A.D. 244-249) was nicknamed ‘The Arab’ by the Romans because he was born in the province of ‘Arabia Petraea’, near Damascus. He came to the throne by plotting against, and then murdering his predecessor, Gordian III. Famously, his reign saw the Thousand year anniversary of the founding of Rome, which he celebrated with lavish ceremonies and spectacular games and hunting events. Sadly the good times did not last and amongst wider unrest across the empire, he was killed in battle with his successor, the ‘usurper’ Trajan Decius. We offer to you Silver Antoninianii of Philip I with various reverses such as gods and goddesses. These attractive coins grade Very Fine and are great in any collection but make especially good presents for anyone named Philip! Join this coin on its journey through time, the latest person to hold it and think of the past.

Philip I. A.D. 244-249. Rome - A.D. 248. AR Antoninianus. Radiate bust right / 'SAECVLVM NOVVM' Hexastyle temple with seated Roma statue. Toned, About Extremely Fine & Scarce. Hadrian's temple of Roma in Rome.

Philip II. A.D. 247-249. Seleucis & Pieria, Antioch - A.D. 248. Billon Tetradrachm. Laureate bust right / Eagle standing with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; 'ANTIOXIA / SC' in exergue. About Extremely Fine.

Philip II. A.D. 247-249., Seleucis & Pieria, Antioch - A.D. 248. Billon Tetradrachm. Laureate bust right / Eagle standing left with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; 'ANTIOXIA / SC' in exergue. About Extremely Fine & Very Scarce.

Postumus was the governor of Germany in A.D. 260 when the emperor Valerian was captured in the East. With the Roman world in crisis barbarian raiding parties were crossing the borders but his defeat of one group, the Juthungians, led to him being proclaimed emperor by his troops. He then managed to push the others out of the western provinces and re-established the old Rhine frontier, making him very popular! Gallienus failed multiple times to defeat him so the rebel Postumus was left in control of Britain, Gaul, Iberia and parts of Germany, forming what was called the ‘Gallic Empire’. In A.D. 269, Laelianus, the governor of Germany, rebelled against him and was defeated at the siege of Mainz. Sadly, Postumus was then murdered by his own troops for refusing to allow them to plunder the city! Postumus minted coins that had at least twice as much silver in than the coins being made by Gallienus’ central government in Rome. We offer these Billon Silver Antoninianus of Postumus with various reverses in Extremely Fine condition, meaning very limited wear since they were struck. Due to the crisis at the time that striking can be a little weak so first to order will get the best! It has been a while since we have been able to get a group of these, we have priced them to please, but we cannot guarantee the price will not have to go up in the future…

Severina, wife of Aurelian., Rome - A.D. 275. Billon Denarius. Diad. & draped bust R. / 'VENVS FELIX' Venus stg. L hdg. cupid & sceptre. Good Very Fine with minor silvering & Very Scarce. One of the last Denarius.

Trajan Decius. A.D. 249-251. Seleucis & Pieria, Antioch. Billon Tetradrachm. Radiate bust right / Eagle standing with wings spread on branch with wreath in beak. Good Very Fine & Scarce.

Trebonianus Gallus. A.D. 251-253., Antioch - A.D. 251-252. Billon Antoninianus. Radiate bust right / 'ADVENTVS AVG' Emperor on horseback left saluting & holding sceptre. Good Very Fine & Scarce.

Valens. A.D. 364-378., Trier - A.D. 368-375. AR Siliqua. Diademed bust right / 'VRBS ROMA' Roma enthroned left holding Victory on globe & sceptre; 'TRPS' in exergue. About Extremely Fine.

Valerian I. A.D. 253-260. Lugdunum - A.D. 258. AR Antoninianus. Radiate bust right / 'DEO VOLCANO' Vulcan standing left holding hammer & tongs, anvil to left; all within tetrastyle temple. Very Fine & Very Scarce.