Coin: Bronze Follis
Date: 267-268 A.D.
Bezel: Sterling Silver
Weight: 5.07 grams
Diameter: 23 mm
Description
This item is an authentic Roman coin, placed in a handmade bezel of Sterling Silver. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.
Chain necklaces can be purchased separately through this link.
History of the Artifact
The "Zoo Series" coins minted under Roman Emperor Gallienus (AD 253–268) are among the most distinctive and collectible of Roman coinage. Produced primarily between AD 267 and 268, during a particularly turbulent period in Roman history, these coins are notable for their charming and unusual animal motifs on the reverse side, which diverged significantly from the conventional Roman practice of depicting deities, military symbols, or imperial virtues.
Gallienus' Zoo Series denarii and antoniniani featured an array of animals, including both mythical creatures and real ones. Common examples are lions, panthers, antelopes, hippocamps (mythical sea horses), centaurs, griffins, goats, stags, and bulls. Each creature typically symbolized a particular virtue or characteristic of the emperor—strength, courage, wisdom, or abundance. These symbolic representations helped communicate Gallienus' imperial propaganda, projecting a sense of stability and prosperity during his challenging reign marked by internal rebellions and external invasions.
Today, Zoo Series coins are especially popular among collectors due to their unique designs and relative rarity. The artistic depictions of animals offer a charming glimpse into Roman symbolism, aesthetics, and the imperial propaganda of Gallienus’ era, making them both historically and numismatically significant.
Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection:
- Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.
- Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged.
- Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.
Your order will include:
- Pegasus Denarius Pendant shown in photos
- Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.