Gallienus Antoninianus, billon

Gallienus Antoninianus, billon, struck under Emperor Gallienus during his reign 253-268 at the Milan mint.  3.6 g, diameter 21 mm. Obverse legend GALLIENVS AVG with radiate head facing right; reverse legend LAETITIA AVG above exergual S, depicting Laetitia standing left, holding wreath in right hand and anchor in left. Strike typically off-centre with moderate relief; surviving surface often exhibits mid-third-century debasement billon with light grey tone and occasional bronze highlights. Flan irregular and thin, edge frequently shows filing marks. Cited in MIR 1096h; not listed in RIC. Rarity: very rare, only six specimens recorded in MIR.

Minted during the prolonged military crises of the mid-third century, the type honours Laetitia, the personification of rejoicing, perhaps celebrating a temporary victory or the emperor's safe return to Italy. The Milan workshop, opened under Gallienus, supplied coinage for the northern front, and its products illustrate the progressive decline in silver content throughout his reign.