Picked up a Gallienus, Antoninianus today & thought I'd share. Attribution: RIC V, Part I, 649 Date: 260-268 AD Obverse: GALLIENVS AVG; Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right, seen from behind Reverse: MARS VICTOR; Mars advancing right, round shield in left hand, spear in right Palm branch right in exergue Size: 21mm x 22mm Weight: 4.01 grams
Thank you for sharing this beautiful coin. As you might know, Gallienus was an important emperor during the "third century crisis" of the Roman Empire. His father Valerian had been emperor, until his father was captured by the Persians. This left Gallienus to rule the Empire. Gallienus was important in fighting off many barbarian invasions, but he was also powerless to stop the empire from falling into near anarchy. Weaked by many barbarian invasions and internal disputes, the empire split into three empires during his reign: a western or Gallo-roman empire, an eastern or Palmyran empire, and the central core of the old Roman empire. There were also numerous usurpers. Unfortunately, as was a common fate for Roman emperors during the third century, Gallienus was assasinated by his own troops. It's amazing that the empire was later reunified (under Aurelian) and lasted for another two centuries. I'm sorry for my pedantic blather, but the "third century" crisis is my favorite period of Roman history. A very nice coin. guy
Lovely coin Brian thanks for sharing it with us :bow: & Bart thanks also for the short history lesson :thumb: De Orc :bow:
