After purchasing this coin and noticing it could be silvered or a possible billon, I searched on my own to find out that it represents Emperor Trebonianus Gallus . He was known to have reigned for a short period around the year 252. He also made his son Volusianus co-emperor. His general Aemilianus, who defeated the Goths, revolted and marched into Italy. Trebonianus and his son were murdered by their own soldiers. I wonder when the Roman Empire did really begin to fall ? The coin in hand weighs 4.57 g. I couldn't find a similar match in the Antioch section of Wildwinds. The reverse might look common, but I still need your comments.
It's MARTI PACIFERO - Mars offering a branch. When the god of war offers you peace, you accept! This is not a common type for Trebonianus Gallus, and yours is in great shape. Nice find!
look here 7C.. http://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=1897161 that's seems to be a pretty nice coin, this guy is still on my list. ooops....got to be quick to beat JA!
Great stuff, 7C. Never seen that reverse type for him. Great it is antioch too. Trebonianus Gallus, 251-253 AD AR Antoninianus O: IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, radiate draped bust right. R: AETERNITAS AVGG, Aeternitas standing left, holding phoenix on globe and hem of robe. Rome Mint 253 A.D. 4.2g 22mm RIC 30; RSC 13 Trebonianus Gallus (251 - 253 A.D.) Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch Billon Tetradrachm O: AUTOK K G OUIB TREB GALLOS SEB,Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; • below. R: DHMARC EX OUSIAS, EEagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; A between legs. SC in exergue. Antioch Mint 11.84g 25mm McAlee 1173a; Prieur 657
As mentioned in the excellent opening post, Gallus' son Volusian was made co-Augustus. I find it interesting that be one below (and many) show his name in the dative Volusiano as if the coins were dedicated to him rather than issued by him. This is more common when used for Caesars of young age but it was also done by Trajan as sole ruler so there is no hard set rule. Coins of this reign vary a lot in terms of metal quality. They were on the verge of having too little silver in the mixture to look right. This one is very good in that respect. Gallus also has many coins with officinae or workshops shown on the coins by dots in exergue on the reverse and under the bust on the obverse. Below we see two dots for shop two.
That's a very cool coin, Charles (I like Mars reverses ... that dude was fricken tough!!) Ummm, this is the only T-Bone Gallus that I have (sorry about the home-made stevex6 photos) ... => my example even has some extra cool ancient-gum stuck on it
This seems to be a bit scarce, I only managed to find one example on Vcoins. Trebonianus Gallus Coin: Silver Antoninianus IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG - Radiate, draped bust right PROVIDENTIA AVGG - Providentia draped, standing facing, looking left, holding globe in right hand, transverse sceptre in left hand Mint: Rome (251 AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 4.27g / 22mm / - Rarity: R1 References: RIC 44
By the way, MARTI PACIFERO has always been my favorite portrayal of the god of war. The idea is related to si vis pacem para bellum - if you want peace, prepare for war. Centuries after the Romans, our own Teddy Roosevelt would echo the sentiment in modern language: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Which is exactly what Mars is doing on these coins.
Marti Pacifero reverse is a good one to have, even though Marty Feldmann is tougher to get (OK, if you're looking for me, I'm outside...) To echo at what JA wrote about Si vis Pacem... and Teddy Roosevelt, there was also Al Capone who used to say (or supposed to have said): You get a lot more from a kind word and a gun than from a kind word alone. Trebonianus Gallus, Antoninianus struck in Rome, AD 251-252 IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG, Radiate and draped bust of Trebonianus right FELICITAS PVBLICA, Felicitas standing left, holding cornucopia and caduceus. Star in field 2.57 gr Ref : Cohen #37, RCV #9629 Q
@ Cucumbor.. Al Capone was seeking evil and not peace. He has no place here, whatever his intentions were.
