Volusian Antioch Antoninianus Official or Counterfeit?

[Joe Sermarini]

The style of this coin is different from the examples known to me. It may have a baser core.  Is it official or an unofficial counterfeit? Anyone know Volusian types well have an opinion?

Volusian, c. November 251 - July or August 253 A.D.

IMP C V AF GAL VOLVSIANO AVG
radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, from behind, three pellets below

ADVENTVS AVG (arrival of the Emperor)
Trebonianus Gallus on horseback left, raising right hand in salute, long scepter in left hand, paludamentum flying behind, horse's right foreleg raised

RIC IV 224(a) (R), RSC IV 2b, SRCV III 9738, Hunter III - (p. cviii)

VF, attractive style, well centered, darkened bronze and turquoise encrustations, flan cracks

3rd officina, Antioch, 252 AD

Rare

[AMICTUS]

IMHO as far as style is concerned it is official. There are two distinct styles of portrait in the coinage at Antioch for Gallus and Volusianus for antoniniani, tetradrachms and provincial bronze: one is rather ‘fine’ (1st group) and the other rather ’coarse’ (2d group). However some antoniniani of the 1st group (VOLVSIANO) may includes some features of the ‘coarse’ style (eye, nose). Moreover the well preserved state of the coin (high relief  and visible details) enhances this.

[Joe Sermarini]

Thanks Amictus. I am happy to hear you think it is official. I do find the style attractive.