medallion

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Object Type
Museum number: 1864,1128.134
Denomination: aureus, 6 (medallion)
Description: Gold medallion. (whole); Bust of Gallienus, laureate, right. (obverse); The three Monetae, standing left, each holding scales and cornucopia, and with a conical heap of metal at her feet. (reverse)
State
Authority
Cultures/periods
Production date: 262
Production place: Minted in: Rome (city)
Materials
Dimensions: Die-axis: 1 o'clock; Diameter: 31.50 millimetres; Weight: 23.179 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments: This medallion of six aurei was probably produced as part of the celebrations marking either the tenth anniversary or fifth consulate. Although sporadic examples of large money medallions survive from earlier reigns in the third century, the variety and regularity of special issues increases from this point. Gallienus was the first emperor of the 'third century crisis' (i.e. since AD 235) to live to see his decennalia and the character of his donatives sets the pattern for the more substantial later reigns.
Bibliographic references: BMCRM / Roman Medallions in the British Museum (1, p.64); Gnecchi 1912 Vol. I / I Medaglioni Romani: Volume Primo: Oro ed Argento (9, p.7)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: emperor/empress; allegory/personification; classical deity
Associated names: Named in inscription & portrayed: Gallienus; Named in inscription & portrayed: Moneta; Representation of: Aequitas
Acquisition name
Acquisition date: 1864
Department: Coins and Medals
Registration number: 1864,1128.134
C&M catalogue number: RM (BMCRM) (64) (1)

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