Saloninus, Antoninianus, billon, reign as Caesar under Valerian I and

Saloninus, Antoninianus, billon, reign as Caesar under Valerian I and Gallienus, minted 256, weight 3.4 g, diameter 22 mm. Obverse: radiate, draped bust right; legend SALON VALERIANVS NOB CAES. Reverse: Spes standing left, holding flower out toward youthful figure of Saloninus; star above; legend SPES PVBLICA. Strike: centered on a round planchet with complete legends, moderate die wear on high points. Toning: light silver-gray with darker coppery highlights in recessed areas. References: RIC V Saloninus 36; Cohen 107; RCV 10712; struck at Samosata. Saloninus was the younger son of Gallienus and grandson of Valerian I, proclaimed Caesar in 258 and briefly designated as heir while stationed with the eastern army. Antoniniani bearing his name were struck in several eastern mints, including Samosata, during the mid-third-century crisis when rapid inflation reduced the silver content of coinage to billon. The SPES PVBLICA type was intended to reassure the populace that the imperial succession and future of the state were secure despite ongoing Persian incursions and internal usurpations. The presence of a star above Spes may allude to divine favor or a specific astronomical event recorded in imperial propaganda.