Ottawa Numismatic Society - Presentation November, 2024

Gallienus. 253-268 CE: Brief Overview and Collecting of Imperial Issues*

Intro

• Charles Euston. Collector/ Dealer/ Board Member BCEN
• Why Gallienus?

• Why not?
• I fell in by accident and happenstance and found a 'home'
• Accessible

• Many coins, for all price-points and levels) of experience... and interesting

Overview

• Turbulent second quarter of 3d Cent

• General background following Severan dynasty: 244-253 CE
  Severus Alexander murdered while still young (235 CE)
  Maximinus Thrax, Pupienus and Balbinus, Gordians, Philip, Trajan Decius, Treboninianus Gallus and Volusian, Aemillian (253)

• Valerian and the joint-reign

(253-260 CE)

• Gallienus acquitted himself well militarily/ no governmental control
• Valerian's grand Dynastic Plan; 256 CE = 3 Augustii in Imperial College

• Sole reign
  (260-268 CE)

• Valerian captured, sons killed (probable assassination)
• Geographical setbacks/ territorial loss and a series of internal revolts

• Did what he could to stem the tide and hold the central empire
• Inherited a dangerous situation which worsened immediately following capture of V.

• Facts and Achievements

• Provided stability where able and central governance - length of reign
• Removed senators from military positions - replaced by those (EQUITES) more fitted
• Decentralization of power (dual-edged sword)
• Created mobile cavalry - COMITATENSES - based in Milan as quick response unit

• Legacy
  Treated harshly by 4* century historians = initially followed by early-modern/ recently rehabilitated

• Now seen as probable first emperor to realize that 'change' was needed in a changing world

Collecting

• Themes

• Joint and/ or Sole reign(s)
  Family - Valerian/ Salonina/ Valerian II/ Saloninus/ Marinianus (unique medallion)
  Denominations

• Specific Themes
  o, Geography - mints, specific regions, 'Gallic Empire', 'Roman 'East', etc.

• The 'Zoo' series
• Legionary series
  Regional portraiture/ 'bust varieties'

Where to find coins - eBay, VCoins, auctions, and shows - dealers like me and others Numismatic Literature - MIR, RIC, Sear etc.