Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 447 3 Jul 2019
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Salonina. Augusta, AD 254-268. Antoninianus (21mm, 2.84 g, 6h). Mediolanum (Milan) mint, 1st officina. 5th emission, AD 265. SALONINA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / AVGVSTA IN PACE, Salonina seated left, holding olive branch and scepter; P in exergue. RIC V (sole reign) 60; MIR 36, 1234a; Toffanin 156/4; Cunetio 1537. Toned. VF. Very rare. Excellent silver quality.
Ex N.N. McQ. Holmes Collection; "Bavarian Collection" (Numismatic Fine Arts XXXI, 18 March 1993), lot 1135.
In the past it has been suggested that this very unusual reverse legend indicated that Salonina had converted to Christianity. It is true that Gallienus had reversed the policy of his father and granted freedom of worship to the Christians, but it is most unlikely that the conversion of an empress would have gone unrecorded in any history of the period. It is far more likely that this is just another piece of propaganda concerning the 'golden age' which was to be inaugurated by the rule of Gallienus.
Ex N.N. McQ. Holmes Collection; "Bavarian Collection" (Numismatic Fine Arts XXXI, 18 March 1993), lot 1135.
In the past it has been suggested that this very unusual reverse legend indicated that Salonina had converted to Christianity. It is true that Gallienus had reversed the policy of his father and granted freedom of worship to the Christians, but it is most unlikely that the conversion of an empress would have gone unrecorded in any history of the period. It is far more likely that this is just another piece of propaganda concerning the 'golden age' which was to be inaugurated by the rule of Gallienus.