Lot 362: Valerian I. A.D. 253-260. BI antoninianus. Samosata, A.D. 256-258.

Valerian I. A.D. 253-260. BI antoninianus (22 mm, 3.71 g, 6 h). Samosata, A.D. 256-258. IMP C P LIC VALERIANVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I right / RESTITVT ORI-ENTIS, Turreted female (the Orient) standing right, presenting wreath to Valerian standing left, holding spear. RIC 286; Göbl 1677e. Attractive earthen deposits over silver. Extremely fine. 

Restorer of the East?. 

Some of the most ironic propagandizing can be found on Valerian''s coinage. On the reverse of this coin he is shown receiving the submission of the East, represented by the turreted Tyche presenting him the symbol of victory, the wreath. The type is most ironic, of course, considering that Valerian was captured by the Sasanians during the Battle of Edessa in A.D. 260, which not only destabilized the eastern provinces but the Empire as a whole. His fate is uncertain, but according to various ancient sources he was subjected to great insults: Eutropius (Roman History ix.7) said that he "grew old in ignominious slavery among the Parthians," while Lactantius (De Mortibus Persecutorem v) maintained that Valerian was used as a human footstool by Shapur when mounting his horse, and that subsequently he was flayed alive, his hide stuffed with straw and displayed as a trophy.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 362
• Listing #: 228367
• Closed: Tuesday, December 15, 2015 6:00:20 PM CT
• Estimate: $100