Roman Antoninianus Coins

Inv. No.: c136
Date: A.D. 251-253.
Weight: 3.27g
 
Obv.: Trebonianus Gallus, radiate, draped.
IMP.CAE.C.VIB.TREB.GALLVS AVG.

Rev.: Apollo standing, holding branch and lyre set on a rock.
APOLL.SALVTARI

Trebonianus Gallus, governor of Moesia, was proclaimed Emperor by his soldiers in 251. He made peace with the Goths – for a price – and hurried back to Rome.

The reverse recalls the terrible plague which devastated the Empire during the reigns of Trebonianus and some of his immediate successors. A branch of laurel or olive is appropriate to the healing role of Apollo: both were used in the Roman ceremony of lustration.

Presented by Mr P. Conole, 1980.

Comparanda:
RIC, Trebonianus Gallus 32.