Lot 580: Valerian I. A.D. 253-260. BI antoninianus. Samosata, A.D. 256-260. 
AUCTION: Triskeles - Auction 19 (Auction 323)
- Sold Winning Bid: $155
- 18 Bid(s)
Valerian I. A.D. 253-260. BI antoninianus (23 mm, 4.68 g, 6 h). Samosata, A.D. 256-260. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I right / RESTITVT ORIE-NTIS, the Orient, turreted, standing right, presenting wreath to the emperor, standing facing, head left, holding scepter. RIC 287; Göbl 1685e; RSC 189. Well centered on a large flan. Lightly toned. Nearly extremely fine.
The reverse legend, RESTITVT ORIENTIS, proclaims Valerian I as the restorer of the East, with the type echoing the sentiment by showing the figure of a turreted and draped female (the Orient) presenting him with a wreath. It is an historically ironic yet interesting type: shortly after Valerian invaded the Sasanian Empire he was captured and made a slave to the Sasanian monarch, Shapur I. Though the reliability of each of their accounts is suspect and their is also some slight evidence that Valerian was treated humanely, both Eutropius and Lanctantius relate that the aged emperor suffered many indignities at the hands of his captors, and was eventually disposed of by being forced to swallow molten gold or by being flayed alive.
- Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
- Lot #: 580
- Listing #: 201242
- Closed: Friday, March 17, 2017 7:13:00 PM CT
- Estimate: $50