TWO ROMAN COINS, 1700 YEARS OLD :Recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme & Coin Finds in Britain Book JUST 149 TICKETS

Roman Bronze Radiate of Gallienus, SOLI CONS AVG, Rome Mint, AD 253–268

A Roman bronze radiate (antoninianus) of the Emperor Gallienus, dating to the turbulent years of the third century Roman Empire, between AD 253–268. Struck at the imperial mint of Rome, this coin features the striking mythological reverse type of Pegasus, the legendary winged horse, representing the emperors connection with divine protection and celestial power.

The obverse depicts the radiate head of Gallienus facing right, wearing the characteristic radiate crown introduced on the antoninianus denomination. The inscription GALLIENVS AVG identifies the ruler as Gallienus Augustus.
The reverse shows Pegasus springing upwards, accompanied by the legend SOLI CONS AVG (To Sol, the Companion of the Emperor). Sol, the Roman sun god, was an important deity in third-century imperial propaganda, representing strength, renewal and divine favour. The image of Pegasus rising heavenward added an additional association with the heavens and immortality.

This example was struck at the important Rome mint, the principal imperial mint of the Roman world. The typ is recorded in major references including RIC V.1 283 and Cunetio 1337.

Coin Details
Emperor: Gallienus (AD 253–268)
Date: c. AD 253–268
Denomination: Antoninianus (Radiate)
Mint: Rome
Obverse: Radiate head of Gallienus right, legend GALLIENVS AVG
Reverse: Pegasus right, springing heavenward, legend SOLI CONS AVG
References: RIC V.1 283; Cunetio 1337
Diameter: 19.5 mm
Weight: 2.22 g
Die Axis: 12 o'clock

Condition
A complete but worn example with a pleasing ancient patina. The coin shows significant circulation wear,typical of third-century Roman bronze issues, but the emperors portrait and the distinctive Pegasus reverse remain identifiable. Some loss of detail is present due to long-term use and burial.

Historical Note
Gallienus ruled during one of Romes most challenging periods, known as the Third Century Crisis, when the Empire faced repeated invasions, economic difficulties and political instability. Despite these challenges, Gallienus introduced important military and cultural reforms and continued the long Roman tradition of using coinage to communicate imperial power and divine support. The SOLI CONS AVG series reflects the growing importance of solar imagery during the third century. The association with Sol, the sun god, helped promote ideas of renewal and the emperors role as a protector of the Roman world.

Roman Bronze VRBS ROMA Nummus of the House of Constantine, c. AD 330–340, Trier Mint

A Roman bronze VRBS ROMA commemorative nummus struck during the reign of the House of Constantine, dating to approximately AD 330–340. Despite some circulation wear and surface corrosion, the coin retains the distinctive and highly recognisable Wolf and Twins reverse, one of the most iconic designs of the late Roman Empire.

The obverse depicts the helmeted and cuirassed bust of Roma, the personification of the city of Rome, facing left, accompanied by the inscription VRBS ROMA (City of Rome). This series was introduced by Constantine the Great to commemorate the refounding of the Empires eastern capital, Constantinople, whilst simultaneously honouring Romes enduring status and heritage.

The reverse features the legendary she-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome, with three stars above. This enduring image celebrated Romes legendary origins and imperial identity at a time when the political centre of the Empire was shifting eastwards.

This example was struck at the important imperial mint of Trier (modern Trier, Germany), identified by the
mintmark TRS in the exergue. Trier was one of the principal mints of the western Roman Empire and played a major role in supplying coinage during Constantines reign.

Coin Details
Issuer: House of Constantine
Date: c. AD 330–340
Denomination: Bronze Nummus (AE4)
Mint: Trier
Obverse: Helmeted bust of Roma left, legend VRBS ROMA
Reverse: She-wolf standing left suckling Romulus and Remus, three stars above
Mintmark: TRS
Diameter: 15.9 mm
Weight: 1.77 g
Die Axis: 6 o'clock
Reference: LRBC Vol. I 58 (cf.)

Condition
Complete but worn from circulation, with areas of corrosion consistent with long-term burial. The principal designs remain identifiable, making this a pleasing example of one of Constantines most popular commemorative issues.

Historical Note
The VRBS ROMA commemorative series was struck alongside the companion CONSTANTINOPOLIS issues during
the 330s AD. Rather than depicting the emperor himself, these coins celebrated the Empires two great capitals—Rome, the ancient heart of the Empire, and Constantinople, Constantines newly founded eastern capital.

The wolf and twins reverse remains one of the most instantly recognisable images in all Roman coinage
and continues to be highly sought after by collectors today.