GALLIENUS (253-268). Antoninianus. Mediolanum.

Obv: GALLIENVS AVG.
Radiate head left.
Rev: LEG III ITAL VII P VII F.
Stork standing right.

MIR 1000c; RIC 341.

Rare

Legio III Italica was recruited in Tuscany by Marcus Aurelius around 165, in preparation for his campaign against the Marcomanni. The cognomen Italica means that the recruits were originally from Italy, and it was known as Concors, “harmonious,” because Marcus Aurelius had a co-emperor, Lucius Verus, with whom he wanted to emphasize that he lived in harmony. The emblem of the legion was a stork, a very fierce bird that kills snakes, just as the legion kills its enemies. The legion took part in several successful campaigns and built the permanent camp of Regina Castra, today's Regensburg, designed as a strongly defended position, as confirmed by an inscription dating back to the year 179. It is a very distinctive building, with a grid structure and impressive walls that made it a real fort. The legion participated in the frequent internal power struggles of the third century and, for supporting emperor Gallienus against his rival Postumus, the III Italica was first awarded the title VI Pia VI Fidelis and then VII Pia VII Fidelis (seven times virtuous, seven times faithful, as shown on this denarius).

Condition: Near very fine.

Weight: 2.21 g.
Diameter: 22 mm.