Roman Imperial, Valerian I, Antoninianus - RARE

Rare propaganda antoninianus of Valerian I. The reverse of this coin depicts Valerian as accepting the submission of the East by handing him wreath, symbol of victory. Unfortunately, this is quite an ironic message, as Valerian was captured by the Sassanids during the Battle of Edessa in AD 260, which destabilized not only the eastern provinces, but the entire Empire. According to various ancient sources, Valerian was subjected to great insults, Eutropius (Roman History IX.7) said that he had "grown old in shameful slavery among the Parthians" while Lactantius (De Mortibus Persecutor v) maintained that Valerian was used by Shapur as a human footrest while riding a horse, then it was skinned alive, its skin stuffed with straw and displayed as a trophy.

Roman Imperial

Valerian I (253-260), Antoninianus 256-258, the Samosata mint

Obverse: radiate and draped bust right

IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG

Reverse: personification of the Orient standing on the right side, showing wreath to Valerian standing on the left, holding a spear

RESTITVT ORIENTIS
 
Weight 4.4 g