Interesting Engraver’s Error: VICTO REGINA

345, Lot: 503. Estimate $100. Sold for $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Valerian I. AD 253-260. Antoninianus (19mm, 2.47 g, 6h). Rome mint. 2nd-4th emission of Valerian I and Gallienus, AD 255-257. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / [VI]CTO REGINA, Victory standing facing, head left, holding shield and palm frond. RIC V –; MIR 36, –; RSC –. VF, gray-brown patina with traces of verdigris. Rare.

An interesting engraver’s error on the reverse of this coin: apparently the result of the engraver starting off with a VICTOR[IAE]... reverse legend, but then inexplicably switching over to a [IVNO] REGINA legend. Both legends were in use at the same time, but the former for Valerian I and the latter for Salonina. The Victory type is clear, and there are not any signs of overstriking.