Trebonianus Gallus, AD 251-253, Tetradrachm

Trebonianus Gallus, tetradrachm, AR, AD 251–253, 11.20 g, 25 mm, Antioch mint. Obv. ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Γ ΟΥΙΒ ΤΡΕΒ ΓΑΛΛΟϹ ϹΕΒ; laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right. Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ; eagle standing left, wings spread; S C in field. Hammer-struck on a broad flan typical of Antiochene issues. RPC IX 1812.

Struck at the principal eastern mint of Antioch, this tetradrachm represents the standard silver denomination circulating across the Roman East during the brief reign of Trebonianus Gallus. The Greek obverse legend renders his imperial titles, while the reverse legend ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ records tribunician power; the eagle type and S C continue the long Antiochene convention indicating senatorial authorization. Issued amid military pressures following the Gothic war and the ongoing Cyprianic plague, these coins financed eastern garrisons and provincial administration.