Roman Silver Coins

Born in 218 AD, Publius Licinius Egnatius Gallienus grappled with the challenges of the Crisis of the Third Century during his reign as Roman Emperor. He faced invasions by barbarian tribes, numerous usurpers, and the loss of various provinces from the Empire. Responding to the crisis, Gallienus adopted a strategy of co-emperorship, appointing several co-rulers to help manage diff erent regions of the vast empire. However, this move, aimed at restoring stability, challenged his authority and contributed to the tragic death of his sons. Despite his efforts, Gallienus’s reign was marked by ongoing turmoil, and his life came to an abrupt end in 268 A.D. when he was assassinated during a coup. Nonetheless, historians acknowledge Gallienus for extending the empire’s existence by another 208 years. The Antoninianus coins we are offering, featuring exquisite silvering and either a standing or sitting figure on reverse, providing a glimpse into the earlier years of his reign when the silver content was more significant as towards the end of his reign they had reduced to around 6% silver, making these examples particularly scarce, they come in Very Fine grade.

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 the rebel Postumus was left in control of Britain, Gaul, Spain and parts of Germany, forming what was called the ‘Gallic Empire’. Like many emperors at the time Postumus was murdered by his own troops in A.D. 269. At the start of his reign Postumus minted coins that were about 20% silver, at least twice as much silver than the coins being made by Gallienus’ central government in Rome. Later in his reign as he ran out of resources he lowered the silver content to about 5%, the same as the rest of the empire. This is the 20% grade Very Fine meaning an ancient person has used it.

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 the rebel Postumus was left in control of Britain, Gaul, Spain and parts of Germany, forming what was called the ‘Gallic Empire’. Like many emperors at the time Postumus was murdered by his own troops in A.D. 269. At the start of his reign Postumus minted coins that were about 20% silver, at least twice as much silver than the coins being made by Gallienus’ central government in Rome. Later in his reign as he ran out of resources he lowered the silver content to about 5%, the same as the rest of the empire. This is the 5% silver grade Extremely Fine meaning they’ve had very limited use since they were struck.

Salonina, wife of Gallienus, lived during the intense Third Century Crisis of the Roman Empire. Despite the challenges of the era, she exerted a stabilising influence on her husband’s reign. Known for her intelligence and political acumen, Salonina actively supported Gallienus in his efforts to defend the empire against external threats, including invasions by Germanic tribes and usurpers within the Roman ranks. Her presence at court provided a sense of legitimacy and continuity during a time of upheaval. Although historical accounts of her life are scarce, Salonina is remembered as a steadfast consort who stood by Gallienus during his turbulent reign. We are offering a group of Antoninianus with beautiful silver patina coming in “Good Very Fine” grade. The obverse shows the bust of Salonina and the reverse has either a standing or seated deity

Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius, known as Trajan Decius or simply Decius, was Roman emperor from 249 to 251. A distinguished politician during the reign of Philip the Arab, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops after putting down a rebellion in Moesia. In 249, he defeated and killed Philip near Verona and was recognized as emperor by the Senate afterwards. During his reign, he attempted to strengthen the Roman state and its religion, leading to the Decian persecution, where a number of prominent Christians (including Pope Fabian) were put to death. In the last year of his reign, Decius co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus, until they were both killed by the Goths in the Battle of Abritus. We have ten high grade examples of these silver Antoninianus available struck during his short reign. They have his portrait on the obverse and various reverse types usually depicting a standing figure. All coins supplied will be fully identifi ed as to the reverse type. If you order more than one then we will ensure that you receive different types.

Trebonianus Gallus was a Roman emperor who ruled from 251 to 253 AD during the Crisis of the Third Century. He rose to power after the death of Emperor Decius in battle against the Goths. Gallus, previously a governor, was quickly proclaimed emperor by the army. His reign was marked by challenges, including ongoing threats from barbarian invasions and internal dissent. Gallus made peace with the Goths, agreeing to pay them tribute, a decision that was unpopular in Rome. His rule ended abruptly when he and his son, Volusianus, were killed by their own troops in a rebellion led by Aemilian, a rival general. We have a small group of his silver Antoninianus in Extremely Fine condition showing the radiate bust of the emperor on the obverse and a standing or seated fi gure on the reverse. Please Note: PHOTOGRAPHY IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COIN SUPPLIED