antoninianus 253-268 AD Silver of Salonina, 253-268 CE, Samosata mint, Roman Empire

CORN SALONINA AVG, Diademed, draped bust right, on crescent / CONCORDIA AVGG, Gallienus standing right clasping hands with Salonina standing left, dot in wreath in upper centre. 21.5mm, 4.12 grams. Samosata mint, struck 255-258 CE. RIC V-1, 63; Göbl 1706.

Darkly toned silver, scarce.

Cornelia Salonina was Roman empress as the wife of Emperor Gallienus, reigning from about 253 to 268 CE during the height of the Crisis of the Third Century. She was the mother of Valerian II and Saloninus, both of whom were named Caesars, highlighting her central role in the imperial dynasty. Salonina appears frequently on coinage, often associated with virtues such as Pietas, Fecunditas, and Juno Regina, reflecting her status as a stabilizing figure amid political chaos. Sources suggest she was well educated and sympathetic to philosophical and possibly Christian circles. After Gallienus’ assassination in 268, Salonina likely survived him, but her later life remains obscure.

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