Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 442 17 Apr 2019
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Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ Medallion / offstrike (26mm, 11.85 g, 12h). Rome mint. 8th issue, AD 263-264/5. GALLIENVM AVG P R, laureate and cuirassed bust left, viewed from rear, holding spear and shield / OB CONSERVATIONEM SALVTIS, Salus standing right, feeding snake held in her arms. MIR 36, 563a; RIC V (sole reign) 423 (described as an As). VF, green patina.
Bought from David Miller, 1993.
In MIR, Göbl describes this as an Abschlag (offstrike) from dies intended for striking gold pieces of the value of 4 aurei. None of the issues in gold, if such there were, are known to survive today, but such high-value gold presentation pieces must frequently have been melted down. In the past strikings in other metals have been regarded as medallions, not coins. Gnecchi (1912, vol. 1, p. 53 and Tav. 27, no. 3) records eight specimens in silver, but none is included in the later section on bronze medallions. MIR records 11 specimens. The metal is not specified, but the example illustrated is of silver and was sold as lot 338 in Classical Numismatic Group's Triton XIII auction (5 January 2010). The reverse legend (the preservation of safety) sees these items linked to the same anticipated victory against Postumus which led to the striking of the antoninanus lot 210. The obverse legend is in the form of a dedication by the Roman people (Populi Romani) to their emperor.
Bought from David Miller, 1993.
In MIR, Göbl describes this as an Abschlag (offstrike) from dies intended for striking gold pieces of the value of 4 aurei. None of the issues in gold, if such there were, are known to survive today, but such high-value gold presentation pieces must frequently have been melted down. In the past strikings in other metals have been regarded as medallions, not coins. Gnecchi (1912, vol. 1, p. 53 and Tav. 27, no. 3) records eight specimens in silver, but none is included in the later section on bronze medallions. MIR records 11 specimens. The metal is not specified, but the example illustrated is of silver and was sold as lot 338 in Classical Numismatic Group's Triton XIII auction (5 January 2010). The reverse legend (the preservation of safety) sees these items linked to the same anticipated victory against Postumus which led to the striking of the antoninanus lot 210. The obverse legend is in the form of a dedication by the Roman people (Populi Romani) to their emperor.