Ancient Phoencia Tyre 268AD Salonina, Roman Province Fine (F-12) $ RARE

Ancient Phoencia Tyre 268AD Salonina, Roman Province Fine (F-12) $ RARE

Tyre was a major city in the ancient Phoenician region (modern-day Lebanon). It was an important center for trade and culture and was heavily influenced by both Phoenician traditions and later Roman rule. Under Roman authority, the city continued to mint coins, often with local symbols and references to the Roman emperors.

Salonina was the wife of Gallienus, who reigned from 253–268 AD. During this period, the Roman Empire was experiencing internal turmoil, including military crises, economic instability, and external threats. The emperors during this time often issued coins to strengthen their legitimacy and appeal to various groups within the empire, including their families, which is why we see coins depicting imperial women like Salonina.

Obverse: The obverse features the portrait of Salonina, who was honoured on various coins during her time.

Reverse: The reverse features an olive tree, between two Baetyls, with the hound of Hercules below. A baetyl was a type of sacred stone, often associated with religious cults in the ancient Near East. Baetyls were sometimes believed to be representatives of gods or used as part of rituals. The hound of Hercules is often symbolic of the hero's labours. The three images together suggest a combination of peaceful divine favour (olive tree), religious significance and protection (Baetuls), and strength or heroism (hound of Hercules). These symbols would likely have been designed to convey a sense of imperial protection, divine favor, and the power of the empire under the reign of Gallienus and his wife, Salonina.