SALONINUS (258-260)

Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus

"Fostered by the Gods" Saloninus was the younger son of Gallienus and Julia Cornelia Salonina. In 253 CE, when his father became emperor, both he and his brother, Valerian II, were granted the title of Caesar.

Around 259/260 CE, the Germanic tribes of the Alamanni and Franks threatened the Roman Empire by inciting revolts in Gaul. Gallienus and Saloninus traveled to the endangered province of Lower Germania. However, Germanic invasions near the Danube and into northern Italy forced Gallienus to intervene elsewhere, leaving Saloninus as his representative.

Around 260 CE, Postumus exploited the weakened army and rebelled against the authority of the young Saloninus. The troops declared their commander emperor. The inhabitants of besieged Cologne handed Saloninus over to the usurper, who ordered his execution.

Obverse: Radiate and draped bust of Saloninus to right, seen from behind, P COR SAL VALERIANVS CAES

Reverse: Saloninus, on the left, holding scepter in his left hand and receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter, on the right, holding long scepter in his left hand, DII NVTRITORES

Mint: Antioch, 258-260 A.D.

Weight: 3,38 g

Diameter: 22mm

Provenance: Savoca Coins

Reference : 47.1 RIC V 35, RSC 21

Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 06 - Military Anarchy p.2