Friday, June 29, 2007
Æ tetradrachm, Alexandria, Valerian, Emmett 3705(1)
A K Π ΛI OVAΛEPIANOC EVEVC, Laureate draped cuirassed bust right | LA, Eagle standing left, head right, wreath in beak. Regnal year across fields.
This coin from Roman Egypt is from 253 or 254, known because coins from Alexandria were dated with the year of the emperor's relative reign.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Billon antoninianus, Gallienus, Antioch, Göbl 1628f
GALLIENVS AVG, Radiate head left | AETERNITAS AVG, She-wolf standing right, suckling twins.
The scene on the reverse here is Romulus and Remus, one of the Roman foundation myths.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Æ Centenionalis, Magnentius, Aquileia, RIC 167
D N MAGNENTIVS P F AVG, Bare-headed (if pompadoured) draped cuirassed bust right, A in left field | VICTORIAE DD NN AVG ET CAES, Two victories holding wreath inscribed VOT V MVLT X, AQP in exergue.
Magnentius (full name uncertain) was a military leader for the sons of Constantius who rebelled and established himself as emperor in the West around 350 CE. After losses in 353, his troops deserted and Magnentius commited suicide.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Æ28, Heliopolis in Coele-Syria, Gallienus, SNG Copenhagen 441/439
IMP CAES P LIC GALLIENVS AVG, Laureate cuirassed bust right | COL IVL AVG FEL, Two palms protruding from prize crown. CERT SAC above, CAP OEC ISE · HEL in exergue.
I think this has a repaired hole (the white-looking material near the center). It's better than a disguised repair.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Silvered Æ antoninianus, Gallienus, Cyzikus, Göbl 1525Ac
GALLIENVS AVG, Radiate draped cuirassed bust right, no pellets beneath | AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left, holding cornucopia right and scales left. SPQR in exergue.
Of all the imperial coins of Gallienus in his sole reign, the mint of Cyzikus are among those that I find most interesting. A fairly restricted series of issues over a short time, Cyzikus seems like a collection that could be completed.
This example is discolored and rather poorly photographed.
