255-256 AD. Uncertain Syrian mint-Antioch or Samosata. Obv: IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS PF AVG legend with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: VIRT-VS AV-GG legend with Valerian standing right, holding globe and sceptre, facing Gallienus, standing left, holding Victory and sceptre; wreath above. RIC v(i), Antioch 456 (J); RSC 1311; Sear 10414.3.87 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. Gallienus was in his mid-30s when his father elevated him to the rank of co-emperor. His duty was to defend the norther frontier, which he did with a good deal of success, keeping the Empire's principal adversaries- the Alamanni and the Franks- at bay. He tried valiantly to hold the disintegrating Empire together and implementing key military reforms which laid the foundation of the Empire's recovery in later decades. Gallienus was arguably the crucial figure in Rome's resurgence. He was a cultured man, friends with the famed philosopher Plotinus, although the emperor was destined to devote the majority of his efforts to warfare. His coinage falls into two main periods- that of his joint reign with his father, and his sole rule thereafter. [No Reserve]