Salonina (AD 254–268) Roman Empire BI Double-Denarius NGC Ch VF

Salonina Billon Double-Denarius — An Empress During Rome’s Crisis

This Roman coin presents Salonina, wife of Gallienus, as part of the imperial family’s public image. Her coinage offers a different perspective on the third-century crisis: the language of family continuity and stability during years of war and political upheaval.

Coin Details

• Empress: Cornelia Salonina, wife of Gallienus
• Period represented: AD 254–268; the exact issue year is not specified
• Empire/region: Roman Empire
• Denomination: Double-denarius, also called an antoninianus
• Composition: Billon (BI), a copper-rich silver alloy
• NGC grade: Ch VF — Choice Very Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 30–35
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Salonina and Her Place in Roman History

Salonina held the title Augusta while Gallienus ruled during one of the empire’s most difficult periods. Her sons included Valerian II and Saloninus, both of whom appeared on coins as junior members of the dynasty. Coins therefore made the family visible far beyond the imperial court.

The year AD 260 was particularly damaging to that family. Gallienus’s father, Valerian I, was captured by the Sasanians, while Saloninus was killed during the revolt associated with Postumus. Against this background, the calm and orderly imagery used on an empress’s coins can be read as an expression of ideals the government wanted to project, not a straightforward portrait of political conditions.

What the Coin Tells Us

The antoninianus is commonly described as a double-denarius. By this period it was often made in billon rather than high-purity silver. Its alloy and surviving surface appearance should not be confused with a modern bullion specification.

Salonina’s broader coinage includes portraits set above a crescent and reverses invoking figures such as Juno or Fecunditas. These designs connect the empress with protection, fertility and dynastic continuity. They provide context for studying the series; the particular reverse, portrait details and mint of the coin supplied may differ from the representative photographs.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one billon double-denarius of Salonina in an NGC Ancients holder, graded Ch VF (Choice Very Fine). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.