Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 10661; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) IV 130; Robertson, A. Roman Imperial Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet, University of Glasgow 5 vols (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1962-1982) IV 28 no. 31 and pl. 8; Reece, R., Roman Coins (London, Ernest Benn, 1970) 42, ch. XVIII, and pl. 44 no. 747.

1968.17

Antoninianusof Salonina, reign of Valerian and Gallienus

3.582 g. AD 257-259

Obv: Bust of Salonina r., diademed, draped, hair in close-set ridges, looped plait on neck and up back of head. Lunar crescent behind her shoulders. SALONINA AVG(usta).

Rev: Venus standing l., draped, resting left arm on shield, a palm-branch under her left arm, her right hand outstreched holding apple. VENVS VICTRIX.

Minted at Rome and Cologne.

Cornelia Salonina was the wife of Gallienus. On the joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus see 1966.63 and 1968.16. The disturbed military situation may give special point to the reverse, ‘Venus the Bringer of Victory’. Venus in this role goes back to republican times (as does the emperor’s family name, e.g. the son of Crassus the triumvir was Publius Licinius Crassus). She was adopted as the special patron of Julius Caesar and was considered the ancestor of the Julian dynasty of the early Principate. There is a wide range of reverses associated with Salonina. She bears the title ‘Augusta’ on all her coins.

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 10661; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) IV 130; Robertson, A. Roman Imperial Coins in the Hunter Coin Cabinet, University of Glasgow 5 vols (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1962-1982) IV 28 no. 31 and pl. 8; Reece, R., Roman Coins (London, Ernest Benn, 1970) 42, ch. XVIII, and pl. 44 no. 747.