RA116273. Billon antoninianus, Göbl MIR 1647b, RIC V-1 623F, RSC IV 1250a, SRCV III 10404, Hunter IV - (p. lxx), VF, unusual notched edge, well centered, dark patina, highlighting reddish earthen deposits, 3.629g, 21.5mm, 0^o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, GALLIENVS AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right; reverse VIRTVS AVG, Hercules standing slightly right, head left, nude but for Nemean Lion's skin on left shoulder and arm, resting right hand on grounded club, apple from the Hesperides in extended left hand, VII C· (Latin abbreviation: 7th consulate) in exergue

 

Gallienus became consul for the seventh and last time in 266 A.D. While many researchers see the letters 'VII C·' in the exergue on our coin and related antoninianus issues as official records of that fact, the numismatic literature can be oddly cautious at times, dating such coins to the period 265-268 A.D. It is interesting to note that the letters also appear on some of the Eastern antoninianii of Gallienus' wife, Salonina.