Lot 395: Salonina Æ Antoninianus / AVG IN PACE

Attribution: RIC VI 58 Rome
Date: 260-268 AD
Obverse: SALONINA AVG, Diademed draped bust right, crescent behind
Reverse: AVG IN PACE, Salonina as Pax seated left, holding olive branch and sceptre, MS in exergue
Size: 21.54 mm
Weight: 2.07 grams
Grade: Very Fine
Notes: AVG IN PACE or AUGUSTA IN PEACE is considered by many to be the first overtly Christian legend. In 261 the emperor Gallienus restored the rights of Christians and ended the persecution started by Trajan Decius in 250AD. His wife Salonina was reputed to be a Christian herself and the end of the persecution would have put her at peace. This legend was not used by any other emperor or empress.

• Offered By: Marc Breitsprecher
• Lot #: 395
• Listing #: 186262
• Closed: Thursday, March 6, 2014 7:17:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $50