Rome Mint, Italy (hippocamp coll.)

[B]Rome Mint, Italy (reign of Gallienus Augustus; 260-268 AD.) AE Antoninianus[/B] [U]Obv[/U]: Radiate and cuirassed bust of Gallienus, facing right; GALLIENVS AVG legend in exerge. [U]Rev[/U]: Hippocamp, facing right; NEPTVNO CONS AVG ("To Neptune Preserver of Augustus") legend and N monogram in exerge. [u]Attribution[/u]: RIC V pt. 1, 245; RSC 667; cf.Sear 2982; cf.Van Meter 178/1 [u]Provenance[/u]: ex. eBay #270028511098, 9.19.06 [u]Weight[/u]: 3.00 gm [u]Maximal Diameter[/u]: 19.20 mm [u]Axis[/u]: 12 [u]Note[/u]: This coin refers to a ward of protection to Neptune by Gallienus in his efforts against the Revolt of Aureolus (267/268 AD). "To Neptune Preserver of Augustus." One of Gallienus' last issues in the so-called zoo series. Gallienus was assassinated near Milan while attempting to deal with the usurper Aureolus. RI236