Lot 524:
Gallienus (253-268). AE Double Sestertius, Rome mint, 268 AD. Obv. GENIVS S P R. Radiate head of Gallienus as Genius right. Rev. Large SC within wreath; above, INT; below, VRB. RIC V 2 (Interregnum); MIR 702h. AE. 21.56 g. 31 mm. RR. Very rare. Gently smoothed. VF. The reassignment of this peculiar issue to the end of the reign of Gallienus as opposed to the traditional placement during the interregnum between the death of Aurelian and the elevation of Tacitus has been convincingly argued by David Yonge. He bases his determination on flan manufacture, portrait style, and a comparative analysis of mid-third century Roman monetary denominations, and suggests that this issue was probably a commemorative issue in anticipation of Gallienus' entry into Rome after his victories over the Herulians and Goths at Naissus.