Ancient & Medieval Coins Canada (AMCC) 3

Don't know but can't remember seeing this reverse for Val I...

 

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The irony of a victory over Parthia type makes that type especially interesting. Here is a VICT PART of Valerian:


Victory standing left over captive.
21 mm. 2.39 grams.
RIC 262. Sear III 9982. Foss 19.
ex Waddell list 23, April 1986, lot 150.
7 examples among 4241 coins of Valerian in Cunetio. No examples among 254 of Valerian in Dorchester.

 

You're both right. This particular VICTORIA PART reverse is from the Antioch mint. It exists for Valerian II (4th and/or 5th emission) and Gallienus (rarely, 5th emission). It was first reported for Valerian by Bastien (it was unknown to Göbl at that time). I assume it's in MIR but I don't have a copy... @Valentinian, I don't suppose you have one? I'm not sure if this is the second known example or if there are a few more.

The fact that it's part of the 5th emission at Antioch is interesting. It dates to 257 at the earliest, quite likely later, as late as 260. If it were issued in 260 that would explain its extreme rarity. After Valerian was captured, a coin type celebrating his "victory" over his captors, especially in the vicinity of Antioch, would be particularly embarrassing... grounds to recall the issue en masse, if it even had a chance to enter into circulation at all.

So I think the coin is the best possible representation of Valerian's ignoble end!

 

I'm quite happy with the exchange rate as I do love a good ol' goods purchase from the states.

Here's my favorite win from AMCC 2. Something about Justinianic folles. That Emperor had some pretty nasty press with his people though. Suppressing revolts using military force, sending out good young men into brutal battles in Italy, and having a whole pandemic rage through his population doesn't bode well on the man's contemporary reputation. It's a miracle that everything stayed together after all that... but not for so long. Coins like this are a testimony to the Great Roman Empire's last great exhalation before suffering colossal losses that made recovery nearly impossible.

Justinian the Great
AE Follis

542 - 543 A.D., Cyzicus Mint, 2nd Officina
19.765g, 39.4mm, 6H

Obverse: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG,
Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing, holding globus cruciger and shield decorated with horseman motif; cross to right

Reverse: -,
Large M; A/N/N/O - X/ς (R.Y. 16) across field, cross above, B below

Exergue: KYZ

Provenance: Ex. Ancient & Medieval Coins Canada Auction 2, Lot 277, Ex. Forum Ancient Coins

Reference: SBCV 207