Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 496 21 Jul 2021
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Gallienus. AD 253-268. AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.16 g, 6h). Legionary series. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, AD 260-262. Radiate and cuirassed bust right / LEG III ITAL VII P VII F, stork standing right. RIC V 341 var. (bust type); MIR 36, 1000r; RSC 496 var. (same). Toned, some porosity, edge split. Good VF.
Marcus Aurelius raised Legio III Italica circa AD 165 in preparation for the Marcomannic Wars that followed. Late in the reign of Marcus, it was headquartered at a formidable fortress, Castra Regina in Raetia (modern Regensburg, Switzerland). In the mid-third century, Raetia was quickly seized and held by the usurper Postumus, with the apparent support of III Italica. However, at least one detachment must have served Gallienus, as he honors it on his legionary coinage, depicting its rather unusual symbol, the stork. III Italica is still recorded at Regensburg in the late fourth or fifth century AD Notitia Dignitatum.
Marcus Aurelius raised Legio III Italica circa AD 165 in preparation for the Marcomannic Wars that followed. Late in the reign of Marcus, it was headquartered at a formidable fortress, Castra Regina in Raetia (modern Regensburg, Switzerland). In the mid-third century, Raetia was quickly seized and held by the usurper Postumus, with the apparent support of III Italica. However, at least one detachment must have served Gallienus, as he honors it on his legionary coinage, depicting its rather unusual symbol, the stork. III Italica is still recorded at Regensburg in the late fourth or fifth century AD Notitia Dignitatum.