RIC 5a

Valerian to Florian (253-276 AD)

Interregnum, 275 AD (reassigned to ca.268 AD)

The reassignment of this pÉculiar issue to the end of the reign of Gallienus as opposed to the traditional placement during the interregnum between the death of Aurelian and the elevation of Tacitus has been convincingly argued by David Yonge. He bases his determination on flan manufacture, portrait style, and a comparative analysis of mid-third century Roman monetary denominations, and suggests that this issue was probably a commemorative issue in anticipation of Gallienus' entry into Rome after his victories over the Herulians and Goths at Naissus.

Catalogue:

RIC #	Picture	Description	Mintmarks and (Rarity)
AE sestertius - RIC 5a, 1		ANONYMOUS ISSUES. Time of Gallienus, circa 268 AD. Æ Sestertius (11.07 g, 6h). Rome mint. GENI-VS P R, laureate head of Genius right, wearing mural crown / INT/VRB above and below large S C; all within wreath. RIC V 1 (Interregnum); MIR 36, 702i; Yonge B.1 var. (dies BB/-; unlisted rev. die); Hunter 2 (Interregnum); Cohen 333. (Image courtesy CNG)
AE double sestertius - RIC 5a, 2		ANONYMOUS ISSUES. Time of Gallienus, circa 268 AD. Æ Double Sestertius (16.02 g, 7h). Rome mint. GENIV-S P R, radiate head of Genius right, wearing mural crown / INT/VRB above and below large S C; all within wreath. RIC V 2 (Interregnum; Sestertius); MIR 36, 702h; Yonge A.39 (dies Q/q); Hunter 1 (Interregnum); Cohen 334. (Image courtesy CNG)

Catalogue: