Gallienus (253–268 AD). AE 31

Gallienus (253–268 AD); Tarsus, Cilicia, ca. 253–268 AD, AE 31, 21.80g. BMC Cilicia-327, cf. BMC Levante-1152. Obv. ΑΥΤ Κ Π ΛΙΚ ΓΑΛΛΗΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ; Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gallienus right; Π in right field. Rx. ΤΑΡϹΕΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩϹ; Nike right, inscribing a shield set on a base; within shield, inscription in four lines: ΕΙϹ / ΑΙΩΝΑ / ΚΡΥΙ / ΟVϹ (Εἰς αἰῶνα Κυρίου ὁδούς – “Forever in the ways of the Lord”). Detailed Nike reverse with full civic and internal inscriptions clearly legible. A remarkable and unusually theological provincial bronze from Tarsus, bearing what may be an early Christian or philosophically spiritual inscription. Ex coll. of Prof. David MacDonald, 2025.. VF / gVF