Roman Empire. - Gallienus, 253-268 AD. Legionary series
Silver Antoninianus (2.55 g. 22 mm.), Mediolanum, 260-262 AD.
GALLIENVS AVG Radiate and cuirassed bust of Gallienus to right. /
LEG XXII VI P VI F capricorn swimming right.
Cohen 551. MIR 1021n. RIC 366.
Very fine. Very rare.
The exact origins of Legio XXII Primigenia are unknown, but its symbol of a Capricorn suggest it was founded by Octavian or Augustus, possibly in the last decade BC. By AD 43 it was in place at Moguntiacum (modern Mainz) in upper Germany. Most of its career was spent in this region, helping to crush the Batavian revolt of AD 70 and the rebellion of Saturninus in AD 89. Detachments of XXII served in campaigns on far-flung frontiers over the next two centuries. Despite its main fortress being located in the heart of the breakaway Gallic Empire in AD 260-269, at least one large detachment of XXII remained loyal to Gallienus, as indicated by this coin issue. The end of the twenty-second is as mysterious as its beginning, as it disappears from history early in the reign of Constantine the Great (AD 307-337).
