MIR 1535Ac

Roman Empire, Gallienus (253-268), Antoninianus, Smyrna mint, ? emission, ? officina.

Obverse: GALLIENVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind;

Reverse: ROMAE AETERN, Roma seated left, holding Victory in right hand and spear in left hand, SPQR in exergue;

Notes: There have been many debates surrounding the location of the SPQR mint that struck antoniniani for Gallienus and Claudius II; while the last few emissions certainly belong to Cyzicus, the earlier ones have enough differences in style and metal composition to suggest that they were struck somewhere else. Gysen, Mairat and Doyen, amongst others, all support the idea that it was in Smyrna, and I personally agree. Gallienus' emission from this mint included many unusual types, some unique and clearly inspired by local symbols and provincial coinage, while others were clearly copied from the Antioch mint; the lettering and the portraiture, however, while similar, clearly display a local touch that makes them stand out. All of Gallienus' reverses are quite rare and surprisingly hard to find in great condition, often suffering from wear, corrosion or poor strikes.

Reference : RIC V - (c.f. RIC V 655 - different mint); MIR 1535Ac;

Collection : Gallienus - Smyrna