Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.61 g, 12h). “Legionary series” issue. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, AD 261.

Electronic Auction 502
Lot: 563. Estimated: $ 200

Roman Imperial, Silver

Sold For $ 400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Gallienus. AD 253-268. Antoninianus (21.5mm, 3.61 g, 12h). “Legionary series” issue. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, AD 261. GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust left / LEG VIII AVG VI P VI F, bull standing right. RIC V 353; MIR 36, 1009p; Toffanin 104/5 (RRRR); RSC 523. Full silvering, toned, some pitting. VF. Very rare.

Like VII Claudia, 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). VIII Augusta played a key role in the German campaigns of Tiberius and 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: 20 October 2021 at 13:07:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.