CNG 94, Lot: 1074. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Anonymous issues. temp. Gallienus, circa AD 268. Æ Sestertius (27mm, 13.01 g, 6h). Rome mint. GENI V[S P R], radiate head of Genius of the Roman People right, wearing mural crown / Large S • C; INT above, VRB below; all within laureal wreath. RIC V 2 (Interregnum); Yonge - (unlisted dies); MIR 36, 702h. VF, hard green and brown-green patina, rough around the edges.

From the Ronald J. Hansen Collection. Ex Hirsch 279 (8 February 2012), lot 2692; Sternberg XXV (25 November 1991), lot 425.

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.