Trebonianus Gallus, 251-253. Antoninianus (Silver, 23 mm, 3.16 g, 12 h), Rome, 252-253. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trebonianus Gallus to right, seen from behind. Rev. FELICITAS PVBLICA Felicitas standing front, head to left, holding caduceus in her right hand and scepter in her left; in field to right, star. Cohen 37. RIC 34. A highly interesting overstrike. Traces of overstriking, otherwise, extremely fine.



This fascinating coin shows clear traces of overstriking on the reverse. Beneath Felicitas, remnants of the legend [...]DIANVS PIV[...] can be discerned, making it very likely that the piece was overstruck on a denarius of Gordian III (IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG) that had been officially withdrawn from circulation and revalued at twice its original denomination. Traces of the original reverse also survive beneath the portrait of Trebonianus Gallus, though the precise type can no longer be identified. For another antoninianus overstruck on an earlier denarius, see lot 3104 below.