ROMAN. Gallienus. A.D. 253-268. Silver Antoninianus (2.88g). Legionary series issue. Mediolanum (Milan) mint. 2nd emission, A.D. 261. Radiate and cuirassed bust right / LEG I ADI VI P VI F, capricorn right. RIC V 315; MIR 36, 982n; Toffanin 74/5; RSC 447. Toned. aVF. Legio I Adiutrix (Helpers) was raised in A.D. 68, with recruitment probably begun under Nero and completed by Galba, drawing heavily on sailors and marines from the Misenum fleet. It stayed in Italy and fought for Otho on the losing side during the civil war of A.D. 68-69, then was sent to Germany around A.D. 70 and based at Mainz, sharing the fortress in a double-billet with Legio XIV Gemina. The legion saw extensive service under Domitian, Nerva and Trajan, and in A.D. 118 Hadrian transferred it to Brigetio, modern Hungary, which became its long-term base. In the turbulent 3rd century, I Adiutrix was heavily engaged on the exposed Danube frontier, facing both barbarian incursions and the forces of rival Roman usurpers. The Notitia Dignitatum records its continued presence at Brigetio into the 5th century A.D. Its symbol was Capricorn, the birth sign of Galba. Acquired from Pegasi Numismatics.

Estimate: AUD 250