New arrival. Valerian was Roman Emperor from 253 to spring 260 AD. Valerian is known as the first Roman Emperor to have been taken captive in battle, captured by the Persian Emperor Shapur I after the Battle of Edessa, causing shock and instability throughout the Roman Empire. During his captivity, it was said that at times he had to kneel down, and then Shapur would use him as a stool to mount his horse. The Humiliation of Emperor Valerian by Shapur I, pen and ink, Hans Holbein the Younger, ca. 1521. Kunstmuseum Basel. Valerian I, Billon antoninianus, 253 AD. Antioch or Samosata mint IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / VOTA ORBIS, two Victories holding shield inscribed S C, palm tree behind. RIC V-I 294; Goebl 1682e Samosata; Sear 9966. Weight: 3,4gr, 24.7mm. Please post your Valerian I coins and any educational comments
I love this story. Of the three Roman emperors that engaged Shapur, Gordian fell from his horse and broke his leg then died, Philip paid something like 300000 denarii to negotiate for the lives of his men. Valerian got foot stooled and stuffed. I love the reverse. I would like to share coins relevant to the period.
Very nice coin! I do love that reverse.... Valerianus I. (253-260 AD). AE Sestertius (27 mm, 15.93 g), Rome, 253-254 AD. Obv. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev. VICTORIA AVGG / S - C, Victory standing left, holding wreath and palm
Hi All, VALERIAN I (ca Sep 253 - ca Sep 260 CE) ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT Year 04 (256/257 CE) Bi Tetradrachm Size: 24x25 mm Weight: 12.4 g Axis: 11:30 Broucheion Collection R-2002-02-13.00x Obv: Valerian laureate cuirased bust facing right. Legend: AKΠΛIOYΛЄPIANOCCЄYЄYC. Dotted border Rev: Eagle wings closed facing left, head turned to right with diademmed wreath in its beak. In left field: L; In right field: Δ. Dotted border Refs: Emmett-3705.04; Geissen-2862; Dattari-5184; Milne-3945; SNG Copenhagen-757; BMC-2145; Vogt I 152 - Broucheion
Here is my example a Valerian antoninianus. Antoninianus of Valerian, Obverse: IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG “Emperor caesar Publius Licinius Valerianus Pius Felix (dutiful, patriotic) augustus.” Reverse: RESTITVTOR ORBIS “Restitutor or ruler of the world.” Turreted female figure kneeing, Valerian in military attire, resting on a spear reaching to her. Sear 9968 I was not aware that more was known about what happened to Valerian after the Persians captured him. My history only said that he disappeared. Thank you for posting this information.
