This is a great coin featuring Empress Cornelia Salonina, the wife of Emperor Gallienus, minted in the Roman Empire from 253 to 268 AD. The coin is made of billon and has a denomination of Antoninianus. It is a perfect addition to any collection of ancient Roman coins.

Cornelia Salonina was the wife of the Roman emperor Gallienus. She lived during a turbulent time in the Roman world in which there were several claimants to the throne. Her father in law Valerian co-ruled with his son. Valerian took the eastern empire and Gallienus the west. Valerian had the misfortune to be captured by the Perisan King Shapur in the Battle of Edessa and was imprisoned for the rest of his life (he was used as a footstool for the King). With his father gone, Gallienus became ruler of all of the Roman world. Gallienus served the longest reign since that of Caracalla (211-217 AD). This coin of Salonina was struck close to the time Gallienus was murdered by his troops.

The era of the Roman Empire is one of the most fascinating and influential periods in human history, and this coin is a tangible piece of that heritage.

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