Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.62 g, 12h). “Legionary series” issue. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, AD 260-circa 262. VF.

Electronic Auction 555
Lot: 630. Estimated: $ 200

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (21mm, 3.62 g, 12h). “Legionary series” issue. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, AD 260-circa 262. Radiate and cuirassed bust left with slight drapery, holding spear over shoulder / LEG VIII AVG VI P VI F, bull walking right. RIC V 353 var. (bust type); MIR 36, 1009p; RSC 522-3 var. (same). Nicely toned, light porosity. VF.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 502 (20 October 2021), lot 563.

Legio VIII Augusta was originally founded by Julius Caesar in the 50s BC and was reconstituted by Octavian (later Augustus) during the Second Triumvirate (43-31 BC). Its steadfast loyalty to its patron won it the title of Augusta late in his reign (27 BC - AD 14). The legion played a key role in the German campaigns of Tiberius and in the Pannonian Revolt of AD 6-8, and remained stationed in Pannonia for sometime thereafter. A detachment probably formed part of the British invasion force under Claudius in AD 43, while the rest of the legion was stationed at Novae in Moesia (modern Svistov, Bulgaria). After suppressing the revolt of Saturninus in AD 89, VIII Augusta settled into permanent residence in upper Germany at Argentoratum (modern Strasbourg). Despite being stationed in the heart of the breakaway Gallic Empire of Postumus, at least part of the legion remained loyal to Gallienus, as attested on his coinage. Like other Caesarian legions, a bull was its symbol.

Closing Date and Time: 7 February 2024 at 13:29:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.