Just when I think I've seen them all, I find a Gallienus that just astounds me. I found this coin with a really rather neat action scene on the reverse - Gallienus (presumably) shown overpowering and dominating a falling captive! I can't find much information about the exact victory that this coin commemorates, but I think this is probably one of the coolest, if not the coolest reverse on a Gallienus I've seen to date.
Looks like it is a "VIRTVS GALLIENVS AVG" reverse...pretty cool. I like my GERMANICVS MAX V reverse here...your coin is not on Wildwinds, I checked... Date: 257-258 AD, AR antoninianus Obverse: GALLIENVS P F AVG, Radiate cuirassed bust left, holding spear over right shoulder, and shield at left shoulder Reverse: GERMANICVS MAX V, Trophy of armor with two bound captives seated at base Size: 23.31 mm Weight: 2.99 grams Attribution: RIC Vii 18, rare 3
Found this …. 260 AD. Cologne or Lugdunum mint. Obv: GALLIENVS P F AVG legend with radiate, cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRT GALLIENI AVG legend with emperor advancing right, holding spear & shield, treading on captive. RIC Vi [Lyons] 54; Göbl 890h [Cologne].
@hotwheelsearl .......That's a cool pick up!...Not seen this reverse before so thanks for sharing....Here's my only Gallienus........Paul Gallienus, Atoninianus, Minted AD 258-259 (Joint reign) Obverse..GALLIENVS dot P dot F dot AVG Radiate, curaissed bust right Reverse..GERMANICVS MAX V trophy between two seated and bound German captives RIC VI#18 variant obv legend dots..Cologne
Similar to OP example GALLIENUS Antoninianus OBVERSE: GALLIENVS dot P dot F dot AVG, radiate, cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder and shield on left arm REVERSE: VIRT GALLIENI AVG, Emperor walking right, holding transverse sceptre (point forwards) and round shield, treading down fallen enemy lying on ground before him Struck at Milan, 258-259 AD 2.94g, 22mm RIC 54 left[j]
This one also celebrates Gallienus' victory over the Germans, but it has a different legend and an extra captive: Billon antoninianus Lugdunum mint, A.D. 258-259 Obv: GALLIENVS P F AVG Rev: VICT GERMANICA - Victory advancing right over globe between two captives. RIC 49 21 mm, 3.1g Notice the difference in wear between the obverse and reverse dies? This is pretty common with 3rd century coins.
I agree, this is an attractive type. Below is an example from my collection. I don't know if this reverse commemorates a particular victory or whether it simply celebrates Gallienus virtues as a warrior. The type is usually attributed to Cologne or Treves (Trier) and dates to 258 to 259. Weight: 3.21g RIC 54 var. The type is not rare (Eauze1500 83 ex.)
