I received this Ant of Gallienus in today's mail and I'm unsure if it's the bargain I suspect it is or did I just pay 'average' value. It has a seller retail cost of $70.00 on the info flip and I won it at auction for $26.00 shipped from Forum. Siver Antoninianus, VF, 2.148g; 23.4mm; Colonia Agippensis (Cologne) mint 258-259 AD. scarce Gobl MIR 872m,RSC IV 310 (Lugdunum) RIC V J18 (Lugdundum) SRC V III 10225 Obverse: GALLIENUS P F AVG, Radiate and draped bust left, spear in right over shoulder, shield on left arm in left. Reverse: GERMANICVS MAX V. Two captives seated back-to-back at the foot of a trophy, their arms tied behind their backs. It further states... "Upon his father's capture by Parthia.Gallienus assumed the throne and began numerous reforms and military campaigns against usurpers and barbarians. He presided over a late flowering of Roman culture, patronizing poets, artists ans philosophers. He was assassinated while besieging Milan." Excuse the photo, but I'm still a month away from any possible improvements LOL
It's not a rare type, and I think you paid about what it's worth on the retail market. It's one of those coins where you have to ask yourself, "Do I want this one for $26 or do I want a much better one for $40?" Still, it's a perfectly respectable example of the type with good details and full inscriptions, so I'd be happy with it.
Generally, I would tell you that Gallienus coins are a dime a dozen and many have flan problems like this one. However, the portrait on this coin is very nice and the captives are are well detailed (the one on the right looks fat - and I won't describe what else it looks like since this is a family site). Like JA just said before I could finish my post, the coin is worth what you paid, perhaps slightly higher. You did fine!!
I think it's a pretty sweet coin, especially for $26 (delivered) ... as I've stated before => I've spent more than that on a pizza delivery!!
To me, the obverse bust holding spear and shield is a plus. Also good silver, good details, might actually be that 35-40$ coin retail.
Thanks very much for the feedback. I would've let it pass with one more bid over my $22.00 before shipping---but I'm reasonably happy with it and it was of a type I didn't have before. I'm a bit conservative in grading, so I would've considered it a push to VF and no way worth what Forum hoped to originally sell it for. Thanks again everyone!!
Interesting how opinions of price vary... I agree with JA's question but will point out that this particular type seems to be notorious for worn reverse dies not well struck. This one is above average IMHO except for the roughness on the obverse upper right. I'd say it is about right at the price paid. Mine below has the typical reverse (but I wanted it for the obverse).
Much better than mine Gallienus Coin: Silver Ant IMP GALLIENVS P.F. AVG - Laureate and cuirassed bust right. GERMANICVS MAX V - Two German captives bound and seated at the foot of a trophy. Mint: Lyons (258-259 AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 2.71g / 25mm / - References: RIC 18 var Your portrait much nicer than mine.
WOW !! Doug, that's the best portrait of Gallienus I can ever recall seeing on a coin of his... Are there any more like that 'out there' ??
Well, if you dudes are showin' off your Gallienus's, then I'm gonna strut my stuff too Gallienus AE Antoninianus Gallienus & Zoo Panther Gallienus AE Tetradrachm (Alexandria) Gallienus & Eagle w. wreath Gallienus, Pamphylia, Side, AE 11 Assarion Gallienus w. c/m & Athena w. pomegranate
