Gallienus Roman AE (AD 253-268) NGC

Own a certified Roman bronze AE of Gallienus (AD 253–268), authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This coin represents the embattled reign of an emperor who struggled to hold the empire together during one of its darkest periods.

Gallienus initially ruled jointly with his father, Valerian, until disaster struck in 260 AD. In a shocking and unprecedented event, Valerian was captured alive by the Persian King Shapur I — the first time a Roman emperor had ever fallen into enemy hands. The humiliating loss left Gallienus to govern a fractured and crumbling empire alone.

From Syria to Britain, regional revolts and breakaway regimes flourished, taking advantage of the power vacuum. Gallienus spent much of his reign fighting on multiple fronts, contending with barbarian invasions, internal rebellions, and the rise of the so-called “Thirty Tyrants” — usurpers and warlords who claimed imperial authority across the provinces.

Despite the immense challenges, Gallienus introduced significant military reforms, including the creation of a more mobile cavalry force that would shape Roman military strategy for centuries. His reign also marked a shift toward greater professionalism in the army, even as central authority continued to erode.

Bronze AE coins of Gallienus typically feature his radiate-crowned portrait on the obverse, with reverses celebrating military victories, divine favor, and imperial resilience — idealized messages against the grim realities of the time.

Certified by NGC, this AE coin offers collectors a tangible connection to the Crisis of the Third Century and the valiant, if ultimately doomed, efforts to preserve Rome’s empire.