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Æ21 - Valerian and Gallienus COL AV TRO
| Issuer | Alexandria Troas (Conventus of Adramyteum) |
|---|---|
| Year | 253-260 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 5.31 g |
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| Reverse description | Genius of the colony standing left, draped, holding in his right hand a small cult statue of Apollo Smintheus—depicted with quiver and bow—and in his left hand a cornucopia. The composition reflects the deep veneration of Apollo Smintheus as the presiding deity of Alexandria Troas, whose sanctuary at nearby Chryse was renowned throughout the region. The legend COL AV TRO encircles the field, identifying the Colonia Augusta Troas. The style is consistent with third-century provincial bronze coinage struck under the joint reign of Valerian I and Gallienus. |
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| Mintage | ND (253-260) |
| Additional information |
Alexandria Troas held the rare distinction of being a Roman colony in the Greek East, granted colonial status by Augustus, which entitled it to produce coinage imitating the weight and module of Roman bronze — an unusual privilege for a city in the Asian provinces. The joint reign of Valerian and Gallienus, during which this piece was struck, saw the empire fighting simultaneous frontier crises on the Rhine and Euphrates, and Valerian's eventual capture by Shapur I in 260 would end the co-regency abruptly.
The colony's mint was notably active under this pairing, producing a wider variety of types than under most preceding reigns.