★ VIRTVS AVG (!) ★

Gallienus, 253-268. Antoninianus (Silver, 21 mm, 3.56 g, 1 h), Rome, 253-254. IMP C P LIC GALLIENVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gallienus to right, seen from behind. Rev. VIRTVS AVG (!) Virtus standing front, head to left, holding spear in her left hand and placing her right hand on shield set on ground. Cohen 1242. MIR pl. 130, 38t-T12. RIC -. An extremely rare variety with an interesting engraver's error. Somewhat rough, otherwise, very fine.

From the E. Mensch & A. Bauer Collection of coins of Gallienus.

The reverse legend on this issue is supposed to read AVGG, with the double G standing for two Augusti (Valerian I and Gallienus). However, the artist apparently forgot the second G, thus accidentally crafting a reverse die for Gallienus as a sole ruler.