430, Lot: 300. Estimate $500. Sold for $575. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Gallienus. AD 253-268. Æ Drachm (28.5mm, 11.51 g, 12h). Dated RY 12 (AD 264/265). Laureate and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing left, head right with wreath in its beak, wings closed; L IB (date) to right, palm frond to left. Köln 2926; Dattari (Savio) 5294-6; K&G 90.83; Emmett 3842.12 (R2). VF, dark green patina with reddish earthen highlights/deposits. Rare, with only two other specimens appearing at auction since 2000.

This rare issue of drachms by Gallienus was most likely part of a continuing series of coins commemorating his decennalia, which occurred two years prior in AD 263. The diameter and weight of this issue were significantly decreased from the typical Alexandrian drachm of previous reigns.