Lot 305: Saloninus. As Caesar, A.D. 255-259. BI antoninianus. Antioch.

Saloninus. As Caesar, A.D. 255-259. BI antoninianus (20 mm, 3.70 g, 12 h). Antioch. P COR SAL VALERIANVS CAES, radiate and draped bust of Saloninus right / DII NVTRITORES, Gallienus standing right, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left, leaning on scepter. RIC 35; MIR 1606e; RSC 21. Scarce. Silvered. Good VF. 

The reverse legend DII NVTRITORES refers to the "nurturing" or "rearing" gods. The figure on the left of the reverse must therefore be Gallienus and not Saloninus, as he is sometimes incorrectly identified. As explained in The Dictionary of Roman Coins" [Gallienus], together with Jove, is the god and bringer up (nutritor) of his son...because the epigraph proclaims more deities than one, and therefore would not be correct, unless it had also embraced within the scope of its meaning the other figure. There is no doubt of this being the true interpretation; for from the head of the figure joining hands with Jupiter, being crowned with laurel, which Saloninus never wore so long as he was Caesar, it clearly must be the emperor Gallienus."

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 305
• Listing #: 211730
• Closed: Friday, March 15, 2019 5:41:20 PM CT
• Estimate: $100