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Roman Empire

Ruler: Saloninus as Caesar
Reigned: Caesar 255-259 AD: Augustus 259 AD
Denomination: Base silver Antonininus
Mint: Cologne
Date of Issue: 258-60 AD
Obverse: Radiate, draped bust right. "SALON. VALERIANVS CAES."
Reverse: Sacrificial implements- augur's wand, sacrificial knife, vase, simpulum and sprinkler. "PIETAS AVG"
Reference: RIC Vi 9, RSC 41, RCVM 10767
Weight: 2.8 gms
Diameter: 19.5 mm

SALONINUS (Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus)

  • Saloninus was the younger son of Gallienus and Salonina. On the death of his elder brother, Valerian II, in 255, he was given the title of Caesar and in 259 was made Augustus.
  • In 260, with the Alemanni and Franks running amok in Europe, Gallienus left Saloninus, although still a young boy, in control at Colonia Agrippina (Cologne).
  • Marcus Cassianitis Latinius Postumus, the governor of Lower Germany, rebelled and marched to Colonia Agrippina.
  • He laid siege to the city and demanded that Saloninus and his guardian Silvanus were handed over. When they were he immediately put them to death.
  • By 261 Postumus was recognised as emperor in Gaul, Britain and Spain.

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