Billon Antoninianus of Gallienus

Though this coin is worn and covered with a thick, crusty patina in places, we can yet see the beauty and balance in the reverse device of this coin. In this time of mediocre artistic quality and even poorer workmanship, we can see that one person, most likely a mint slave whose name will never be known to us, took great care and pride in his work to execute this design with lovely symmetry. Types depicting two figures facing, one being an allegorical figure or personnification presenting a symbolic gift to an emperor became increasingly more prevalent in the second half of the Third Century and the first quarter of the Fourth. In this case, both figures are reap persons. Gallienus is proclaiming his pietas, in observing his filial duties to his father.

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Emperor Gallienus Biographical and Historical Information.