Lot 3266
Gallienus. Gold aureus (3.15 g), AD 253-268. Rome, AD 265. GALLIENVS-S P F AVG, head of Gallienus left, wreathed with stalks of grain. Reverse: VBI-QVE PA-X, Victory, holding whip and reins, driving galloping biga galloping. RIC 72; Göbl 691; Calicó 3598. Very Rare. One of the finest portraits to appear of Gallienus' coinage. Light crinkle on edge and some weakness on the biga. Extremely Fine.
The unusual wreath composed of grain stalks, which shows a connection of Gallienus with Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, fertility and abundance, should probably be seen in light of Gallienus' induction into the Eleusinian mysteries in AD 265 while visiting Athens.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
Ex Generationensammlung II (Hirsch 279, 24 September 2012), 2685; Lanz 64 (7 June 1993), 769.
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| Realized $7,050 |
