Numismatic

Roman Double Denarius Salonina (254-268 AD) VF NGC

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During the turbulent years of the third century, the Roman Empire produced coinage that tells a deeply personal story of its rulers. This silver double denarius, minted between 254 and 268 AD, features Salonina, the empress consort of Gallienus. What makes this particular ancient coin exceptional is its connection to the Colosseum Hoard, a famous archaeological discovery that links this piece of silver directly to the heart of ancient Rome. The physical characteristics of this coin reveal a fascinating anomaly from the ancient minting process. While the reverse depicts the goddess Venus seated, the obverse displays an incuse of the reverse design rather than the standard imperial portrait. This striking error, combined with its certified Very Fine grading, offers a rare, tangible look into the high-volume production and occasional slip-ups of Roman moneyers during a chaotic era.