The Tale of Gallienus and Salonina: The Vesta Antoninianus
 
Step back into the mid-3rd century AD, a time of significant turmoil and transformation within the Roman Empire. The bustling streets of Rome are filled with merchants, soldiers, and citizens going about their daily lives. Among the many coins circulating is the Antoninianus—this particular coin features Empress Cornelia Salonina, wife of Emperor Gallienus, symbolizing their reign and connection to the divine.
 
Meet Gallienus and Salonina:
 
Imagine Gallienus, a Roman Emperor who ruled from 253 to 268 AD, navigating a period known as the Crisis of the Third Century. His reign was marked by external invasions, internal strife, and efforts to stabilize the empire. Alongside him was his wife, Cornelia Salonina, whose image graces this coin, reinforcing her status and divine association.
 
The Coin's Journey:
 
Hold the coin in your hand—20 millimeters of solid silver, struck to perfection. On the obverse, the legend "SALONINA AVG" frames the diademed, draped bust of Salonina, facing right, on a crescent, symbolizing her elevated status and divine favor.
Flip the coin to reveal its reverse, where the legend "VESTA" is inscribed. The scene depicted is serene: Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family, is seated left, holding a patera in her right hand and a scepter in her left hand. This imagery underscores the empress’s role and divine favor.
 
The Grandeur of Rome:
 
Picture the coin’s journey through the bustling marketplaces of Rome. It pays for various goods—fresh bread, wine, or perhaps a finely crafted garment. Each transaction weaves a thread into the rich tapestry of Roman life, connecting the people to their emperor and empress and their efforts to bring about stability and prosperity.
 
A Time of Crisis and Stability:
 
Gallienus’s reign was marked by significant military and political challenges. He rose to power during a period of fragmentation within the Roman Empire, facing threats from Germanic tribes, the Persian Empire, and internal usurpers. His efforts to maintain control and bring stability were constant and fraught with difficulty.
 
Gallienus and Salonina:
 
Gallienus was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 253 to 268 AD. His reign is noted for his efforts to defend the empire from numerous external and internal threats. Alongside him was Empress Cornelia 
 
Obverse Imagery:
 
The bust of Salonina with a diadem and draped in regal attire symbolizes her association with the divine and her elevated status. The crescent upon which she is depicted signifies her connection to the moon and the goddess Diana, emphasizing her divine favor and protection.
 
Reverse Imagery:
 
Flip the coin to reveal its reverse, where the legend " IVNO REGINA " is inscribed. The scene depicted is serene: Juno, the Roman god, home, and family, is standing left, holding a patera in his right hand and a scepter in her left hand. This imagery underscores the empress’s role and divine favor.
 
Society During Gallienus’s Reign:
 
Gallienus’s reign was a time of significant military and political challenges. The Roman Empire faced threats from both internal factions and external invasions. Despite these challenges, the economy and daily life continued, with coins like this one playing a crucial role in facilitating commerce and propaganda.