Not brilliant by any means with very weak strike on legends but very, very cheap Gallienus Billon Antoninianus. 253-254 AD. Antioch. IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG Radiate bust right, draped & cuirassed VOTA ORBIS Two Victories affixing shield inscribed SC to a palm tree. Cohen 1335; RIC 459[j] One of the entries on Wildwinds states that it was for 10th anniversary of joint reign with Valerian. Not sure about this as I thought the joint reign ran for about 7 years
It is actually nicer in hand, the Victories and palm tree are quite crisp, the photo does not reflect this.
Doug has given me plenty of tips, I just need to put some of them into practice. Now we have better weather on the way, I plan to put the daylight to good use.
Love the reverse. It seems I am drawn to reverses that are different than the usual. Maybe we all are.
Thanks TC Sellers pics were difficult to make out, I took a chance as it was cheap. There are a couple of examples on Wildwinds. Vcoins have 6. I don't think it is rare or scarce, but there don't seem to be many around. If you have one, please post it.
I haven't seen this reverse before. Awesome score! As my mates tell me when we go clubbing: you could do worse
Great coin Pish, there are so many choices with the coins of Gallienus. Common or not, I don't know, but I always feel that common coins in uncommon condition are always a good deal. Cheers
It is an interesting reverse. I have a couple but here's one of mine... Gallienus, AD 253-268 Billion, antoninianus, 21mm, 2.9g; 6h; Rome Obv.: GALLIENVS AVG; radiate, cuirassed bust right Rev.: PAX AVG; Pax standing left, holding branch in right hand, transverse scepter in left. T in field
When photographing bright silver coins it is easy to make it too light thinking it is more accurate but I never suggest having tones so bright that they are stark white. When you hold a coin in hand and wiggle it, the glare moves around so you can see detail but areas of glare that are stationary on a still photo just destroy detail. Our photos use 256 shades of each color with the extremes (000000 and FFFFFF) being detailess black and white. Topcat's version retains small details in the almost white areas and looks a lot better to my eyes. I'd call the coin a keeper if reasonably cheap and a definite 'deal' if 'very, very' cheap.
I hear you Doug. I do have more problems with silver than bronze. I only have halogen lights for side lighting, they give horrible colours. We are only just getting decent daylight, our house is very dark. The days are getting longer and we are promised sunshine this week. Yay! I have stored up all your tips and will be making good use of them over the coming weeks and months. Nearly all my coins need a re-shoot. Best results are on a manual setting in natural light.
Very cool OP-addition, Pish ... sadly, I still only have my three Gallienus examples (none of 'em Antoninianii, so I'll refrain from posting them)
Okay ... thanks, Pish => yah, I never get sick of posting this sweet Gallienus example PAMPHYLIA, Side. Gallienus, Æ 11 Assarion 253-268 AD Diameter: 30 mm Weight: 14.25 grams Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right above eagle standing right, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; IA obliterated by c/m of Є within circular incuse Reverse: Athena standing facing, head right, holding spear and [thunderbolt], with shield at side; pomegranate to left Reference: SNG France –; BMC 104; for c/m: Howgego 805 ... thanks again (that felt good)
